In a surprising twist amid growing coalition talks to unseat the ruling party in 2027, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) have lost one lawmaker each to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Newsvista.com.ng‘s parliamentary correspondent, Honourable Paul Nnamchi and Honourable Peter Akpanke made their defections official during plenary on Tuesday, June 24. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, read out their resignation letters on the House floor.
Akpanke, who represented the Obanliku/Obudu/Bekwara Federal Constituency in Cross River State under the PDP banner, and Nnamchi, who was elected under the LP to represent Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency in Enugu State, both cited deepening internal conflicts within their respective parties as reasons for switching allegiance.
The lawmakers also pointed to their decision to support the policies and development agenda of the APC-led administration. Their announcement was reportedly greeted with applause from APC members in the chamber, and Speaker Abbas congratulated them on their new political direction.
This development comes at a time when opposition forces—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai—have been vocal in their belief that the APC would be defeated in the 2027 elections. They are currently leading a broad-based coalition movement aiming to register a new political party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).
Speaking on the future of the APC, El-Rufai recently stated that Nigerians have become disillusioned with the party and are actively seeking a credible alternative. According to him, the emerging coalition is not just about party politics, but about bringing together individuals from diverse political backgrounds to create a united front for national transformation.
NewsVista gathered that the ADA initiative includes figures from across Nigeria’s political spectrum—ranging from the camps of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, to former ministers who served under the Buhari administration. El-Rufai made it clear that he is not aligned with the Social Democratic Party (SDP), quelling speculation of any partisan bias in the movement.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, NewsVista learned that Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu, is facing strong criticism over his proposed constitutional amendment regarding indigeneship rights. The bill seeks to grant indigene status to individuals who have resided in any state for at least ten years. Critics, including Barrister Oladotun Hassan of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, have warned that the proposal threatens traditional land rights and could trigger ethnic and political tension.
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