Explore Notable APC Defections in 2025 and the Blow to the Opposition Parties

The narrative of notable lawmakers who are switching to the APC in 2025 alone will continue to grow amidst preparations for the 2027 elections.

This year, the APC has seen a significant influx of lawmakers from opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Labour Party (LP).

These defections reflect ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Many politicians cite internal crises, leadership disputes, and the desire to align with the ruling party’s agenda as reasons for their switch.

The defections have been officially announced on the floor of the National Assembly during plenary sessions.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has taken several letters of resignation from former parties and acceptance of membership into the APC.

This wave of cross-carpeting has significantly bolstered the APC’s strength in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, further weakening the opposition.

In May 2025, six PDP lawmakers from Delta State formally defected to the APC giving the party control over eight of the ten House seats from the state.

Similarly, seven federal lawmakers from Akwa Ibom State, from PDP and YPP, also joined the APC in July 2025. Additionally, three PDP senators from Kebbi State defected to the APC in May 2025, increasing the ruling party’s Senate numbers.

The APC leadership has welcomed these defectors, attributing the influx to the party’s achievements under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have accused the APC of using state resources to coerce defections, a claim the APC has denied.

List of Notable Lawmakers Who Defected to APC in 2025

From Delta State (PDP to APC) – May 2025

1. Nicholas Mutu – Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency (House Leader, Southern Regional Caucus Leader)
2. Julius Pondi – Burutu Federal Constituency
3. Thomas Ereyitomi – Warri Federal Constituency
4. Victor Nwokolo – Ika North East/Ika South Federal Constituency
5. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko – Isoko North/Isoko South Federal Constituency
6. Nnamdi Ezechi – Ndokwa East/Ndokwa West/Ukwuani Federal Constituency

From Akwa Ibom State (PDP & YPP to APC) – July 2025

1. Paul Ekpo – Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency
2. Eteh Ikpong – Mbo/Okobo/Oron/Udung Uko/Urue Federal Constituency
3. Unyime Idem – Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency
4. Martin Esin – Mbo/Okobo/Oron/Udung Uko/Urue Federal Constituency
5. Uduak Alphonsos – Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo Federal Constituency
6. Okon Bassey – Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency
7. Emmanuel Udom – Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency (from YPP)

Senators from Kebbi State (PDP to APC) – May 2025

1. Adamu Aliero – Kebbi Central Senatorial District
2. Yahaya Abdullahi – Kebbi North Senatorial District
3. Garba Maidoki – Kebbi South Senatorial District

Other Notable Defections

• Yusuf Galambi – Gwaram Federal Constituency, Jigawa State (NNPP to APC)
• Oluwole Oke – Obokon/Oriade Federal Constituency, Osun State (PDP to APC)
• Kabiru Alhassan Rurum – Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya Federal Constituency, Kano State (NNPP to APC)
• Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo – Karaye/Rogo Federal Constituency, Kano State (NNPP to APC)

Over 300 PDP members defected to APC between February 2024 and February 2025 from PDP, YPP, NNPP, and LP.

The ruling APC now controls a significant majority in both legislative chambers and defections are largely attributed to internal crises in opposition parties and the appeal of APC’s governance.

It is sparking debates about the health of Nigeria’s democracy and the survival of opposition parties.