The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost five members in the House of Representatives, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) also lost two lawmakers in a fresh wave of defections in the lower chamber of the National Assembly.

The defections were announced on Tuesday during plenary by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who read out letters from the affected lawmakers following the House’s resumption after the Easter break.

Kalu said the movement of lawmakers between parties reflects the openness of Nigeria’s democratic system, dismissing concerns that it signals a drift toward a one-party state.

One of the major exits was that of Thaddeus Attah, representing Eti-Osa Federal Constituency in Lagos State, who left the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He cited internal leadership crises within the LP as his reason for leaving.

The PDP recorded the highest losses in the latest political realignment. Abubakar Abdul (Niger State) defected to the APC, Yakubu Noma (Kebbi State) joined the ADC, while Ibrahim Mohammed (also Kebbi State) moved to the APC. In Osun State, Mudashiru Alani and Adetunji Olusoji left the PDP for the Accord Party.

The APC also recorded losses as David Fuoh (Taraba State) defected to the PDP, while Bashir Zubair (Kaduna State) joined the ADC, reflecting the two-way nature of the political shifts.

The Deputy Speaker described the movement as part of the “beauty of democracy,” noting that lawmakers are free to change party affiliation based on political realities and internal party dynamics.

The development comes amid ongoing leadership crises in major opposition parties, particularly the PDP and Labour Party, which have continued to experience internal divisions and disputes.

Analysts say the increasing movement of lawmakers is part of early positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections, as politicians seek stronger platforms and better electoral prospects.

Since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in 2023, the APC has maintained a majority in the House, but opposition parties have continued to adjust their strategies through alliances and defections.

The House later adjourned plenary in honour of the late Kano lawmaker Hassan Danjuma, who died on April 10, 2026.