The political landscape is shifting as politicians, especially from opposition parties, begin defecting in preparation for the 2027 elections, raising questions about the future of these opposition parties and the stability of Nigeria’s democracy.
Recent defections have intensified, with 51 lawmakers at the federal and state levels crossing from the Labour Party, New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to join either the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In the past week alone, four members of the Labour Party in the House of Representatives joined the APC, including Chinedu Okere (Owerri Municipal/Owerri North/Owerri West Constituency) and Mathew Donatus (Kaura Federal Constituency of Kaduna), while others, such as Senator Francis Ezenwa Onyewuchi from Imo East, switched parties citing internal crises within the Labour Party.
This wave of defections also extends to the NNPP, where key figures such as the former national chairman, Professor Ahmed Rufa’i Alkali, and several gubernatorial candidates joined the APC.
The defections from NNPP were fueled by disputes between the party’s leadership, particularly between presidential candidate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and party founder Dr. Boniface Aniebonam.
Despite Section 68 of Nigeria’s Constitution, which mandates that lawmakers who defect without a valid reason vacate their seats, opposition parties have raised concerns about the defections, accusing the lawmakers of betraying their mandates.
The Labour Party, in particular, has rejected the defections, asserting that the party has resolved its internal issues.
In contrast, some experts believe the defections are part of a broader political strategy to realign ahead of 2027.
Wale Okunniyi of the National Consultative Front (NCFront) emphasized the need for opposition parties to consolidate forces to challenge the ruling APC.
He stressed that current defections are part of the larger political maneuvering for the next general election.
APGA’s founding chairman, Chekwas Okorie, predicted more defections and realignment in the coming year, stressing that such movements will eventually lead to new political coalitions.
As the 2027 elections approach, the fate of the opposition remains uncertain, but realignments are expected to continue as party loyalties shift.
