There are indications that at least 10 members of the Niger State House of Assembly may defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) this week. The planned defections are coming amid political realignments in the state following the recent defection of former Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Nami, to the PDP.
Nami, who previously sought the Niger South senatorial ticket under the APC, was on Saturday adopted as the PDP’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election. Sources who spoke on the planned movement of the lawmakers said consultations between the affected legislators and PDP stakeholders had reached an advanced stage. According to the sources, the lawmakers are expected to formally announce their decisions after concluding consultations with their constituents and political allies.
The development, if confirmed, could significantly alter the political calculations in the Niger State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 elections. The PDP recently named Nami as its governorship candidate after other aspirants reportedly stepped down in his favour. However, the PDP has also suffered a major setback in the state. Its former chairman, Tanko Beji, recently defected to the APC, describing the ruling party as the platform through which he could contribute to Niger State’s development.
The political realignment in Niger is a reflection of the broader dynamics shaping Nigerian politics ahead of 2027. The defections are a sign that the battle for political supremacy is already underway. The winners: the PDP, which is gaining lawmakers; and the Nigerian public, who may have a more competitive election. The losers: the APC, which is losing lawmakers; and the Nigerian public, who must hope the realignments lead to better governance.
Bottom Line: Ten lawmakers may defect to the PDP in Niger. The political realignment is accelerating. The question is whether the defections will shift the balance of power in the state.