According to a report by Vanguard, The Nigerian House of Representatives witnessed a major political shift on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, as approximately 30 lawmakers officially resigned from their various political platforms to join new parties.
The mass defection, was attributed largely to deep-seated internal disputes and irreconcilable differences within the legislators’ former parties.
The wave of defections was confirmed during Tuesday’s plenary session, where Speaker Abbas Tajudeen read formal notification letters from the affected members. The moves crossed several party lines, significantly altering the composition of the House.
Among the most prominent names is Rep. Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House. Agbese exited the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the Labour Party (LP), pointing to the ongoing friction within the APC in Benue State as his primary motivation.
Similarly, Rep. Aliu Madaki, the Deputy Minority Leader, moved from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the APC. Other notable changes included:
Ikenga Ugochinyere (Imo): Left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Peoples Party (APP).
Aliyu Abdullahi (Katsina): Switched from the APC to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
George Ozodinobi (Anambra): Left the Labour Party for the ADC.
Speaking to journalists following the plenary, Rep. Agbese emphasized that his decision was a response to the direct wishes of his constituents in the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency. He dismissed claims that his defection was a tactical move for a future governorship run.
“I want to categorically put it on record that our defection is about service to our people. It is about making ourselves available again for service, come 2027,” Agbese stated.
He further noted that the Labour Party has seen a massive surge in local support, claiming over 10,000 new registrations in his district.
“The largest population of our people have taken a very firm position, to say that LP is the only available vehicle that will take us to the expected destination, come 2027.”