THREE members of the House of Representatives have defected from the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party to the African Democratic Congress in the latest wave of political realignments in the National Assembly.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, read the notices of defection during Thursday’s plenary session.
Among those who defected was Bello El-Rufai, representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, who moved from the APC to the ADC.
Also joining the ADC were Ajilo Shehu, representing Makarfi/Kudan Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, and Sulieman Richifa, representing Soba Federal Constituency, Kaduna. Both lawmakers defected from the PDP.
Meanwhile, Joshua Obika, representing Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency in the Federal Capital Territory, defected from the APC to the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
Similarly, Esosa Iyawe, representing Oredo Federal Constituency of Edo State, also left the APC for the NDC, citing what he described as “irreconcilable differences” with Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
In a statement following his defection, Bello El-Rufai disclosed that he would seek re-election on the platform of the ADC.
“This decision was not taken lightly. As a proud son of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, I am guided by courage, conviction, and the unshakable belief that our people deserve the very best,” he stated.
“To the people of Kaduna North: our work continues, and it will not stop. We will never compromise on delivering quality representation. There is still so much to do.”
The latest defections come barely days after 17 members of the House of Representatives reportedly defected from the ADC to the NDC on Tuesday, further deepening the ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
