Nigeria’s political landscape since the beginning of 2026 has witnessed a notable shift, marked by a surge in defections and changing party alignments.
Across major parties—including the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party, and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—cross-carpeting has become increasingly frequent ahead of the next general elections.
Analysts say the trend reflects a familiar pattern, with many of the same political actors moving across party lines, raising questions about continuity and change within the system. Whether driven by personal ambition or broader political interests, the growing wave of defections is increasingly shaping the character of party politics in Nigeria.
One of the latest developments involves 27 members of the House of Representatives, marking a significant wave of realignment in the Green Chamber ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defections were announced on April 1 during plenary by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The ADC gained eight lawmakers—five from the PDP, two from the Labour Party, and one from the APC.
Beyond the National Assembly, other high-profile political figures have also changed party affiliations in recent weeks.
Former Kano State Governor and 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, defected to the ADC on March 30, citing the need for strategic realignment to better drive national change.
Similarly, former Sokoto State Governor and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, resigned his membership of the PDP on March 12 and joined the ADC, pointing to internal conflicts and divisions within the party.
As of April 13, former PDP presidential aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen also moved to the ADC, citing worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and what he described as a shrinking democratic space.
Zainab Abubakar Galadima, a former councillor in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and daughter of prominent politician Buba Galadima, also defected to the ADC. She said her earlier decision to remain in the APC was based on political calculation and a belief in internal reform, but later cited a loss of alignment with the party’s ideology.
Observers say many of the defections are driven by political survival, internal party crises, and strategic positioning ahead of the next election cycle.
While several political actors have justified their decisions, questions around loyalty, ideology, and the long-term direction of Nigeria’s democracy remain difficult to ignore.
For voters, the frequency of these defections has raised growing concerns about trust and representation.
As more politicians continue to switch allegiances, attention is turning to what comes next—whether the trend will stabilise the political environment or further blur party lines. Ultimately, the question remains: is Nigeria drifting toward a one-party system ahead of the 2027 general elections?
Report by Godwin Igber