Defections continued to rock the ruling APC as 3 join opposition parties ADC, PRP
Three members of the House of Representatives have dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for opposition parties, citing political developments following the party’s recent primaries.
The lawmakers, Rep. Abubakar Baba Zango, who represents Yola North/Yola South/Girei Federal Constituency of Adamawa State; Rep. Rabilu Bala, representing Jama’are/Itas-Gadau Federal Constituency; and Rep. Abdullahi El-Rasheed, representing Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency of Gombe State, formally announced their defections during plenary on Wednesday.
While Reps Zango and El-Rasheed joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rep. Bala defected to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).
Their letters of resignation from the APC were read on the floor of the House by Speaker Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, who acknowledged the lawmakers’ decisions and wished them well in their new political parties.
Explaining his exit, Rep. Zango said political developments within the APC in his constituency had made it difficult for him to continue pursuing his ambitions under the party’s platform.
Bala, in his letter, said his decision to join the PRP followed consultations with his constituents and was informed by the outcome of the APC primaries. He added that the move would enable him to continue his political career on a platform he believes aligns more closely with the aspirations of the people he represents.
The defections underscore growing discontent within the APC in the aftermath of its primaries, with several lawmakers and aspirants reportedly reconsidering their political future ahead of the next election cycle.
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The ADC has recently become a preferred destination for politicians seeking alternatives to Nigeria’s dominant political parties, particularly amid ongoing coalition talks among opposition figures. The PRP, one of the country’s oldest political parties, founded on the political ideals of the late Aminu Kano, has also been working to strengthen its foothold across northern Nigeria.
The latest defections add to a series of political realignments that have continued to reshape the landscape ahead of the forthcoming electoral contests.
