Four members of the house of representatives from Bauchi state have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
The Speaker of the house, Tajudeen Abbas, announced the defections during plenary on Thursday after reading their separate letters of resignation from the opposition party.
The lawmakers are Muhammed Shehu (Zaki federal constituency), Aliyu Garu (Bauchi federal constituency), Sani Tanko (Shira/Giade federal constituency), and Mansur Soro (Darazo/Ganjuwa federal constituency).
Also during the plenary, Jeremiah Umaru, representing Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba federal constituency of Nasarawa state, announced his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The latest movement adds to a growing wave of defections in the green chamber ahead of the next general election cycle, with lawmakers increasingly switching parties across political lines.
In recent weeks, the house has witnessed multiple realignments, including a group of lawmakers who left the PDP for the APM and others who crossed from the APC to opposition parties such as the PDP, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Political observers say the increasing defections reflect ongoing restructuring within party blocs as legislators position themselves ahead of future elections.
The Speaker, however, did not provide further comments beyond reading the defectors’ letters, in line with parliamentary procedure.
The house is expected to continue legislative business despite the political realignments among members.
