Political realignments have intensified across Nigeria in recent weeks as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum. Governors, legislators, and influential party figures have continued to change political platforms, a development analysts describe as a calculated repositioning that is gradually reshaping the nation’s political structure. On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the House of Representatives approved an amendment to certain sections of the Electoral Act aimed at criminalizing dual political party membership. The decision is widely interpreted as an effort to reduce opportunistic defections and enforce discipline among politicians ahead of the forthcoming elections. According to the revised provision, anyone found holding membership in more than one political party could face a fine of N10 million, a prison term of up to two years, or both penalties. The amendment also declares any form of dual party membership invalid and without legal effect. Legal analysts believe the amendment reflects the determination of lawmakers to strengthen internal party stability and safeguard the mandate given by voters during elections. Legal framework and limits of existing laws Nigeria’s Constitution already contains provisions that address political defections. Section 68(1)(g) states that any legislator who abandons the political party that sponsored their election may lose the seat, except in situations where there is a confirmed division within the party. Although the Electoral Act supports this constitutional provision, enforcement has often been inconsistent, allowing politicians to switch parties without serious consequences. Barrister Abdulrazak Boye Folorunsho, a legal practitioner based in Minna, told DAILY POST that repeated defections weaken democratic institutions. He explained that moving from one party to another reduces the strength of opposition parties and damages the democratic system, adding that failure to enforce existing laws can suppress the will of the electorate. Folorunsho further observed that legislators sometimes face sanctions, while governors often escape penalties, creating an uneven level of accountability. Increase in defections across different states Political defections usually increase between twelve and eighteen months before general elections, as politicians attempt to secure advantage ahead of party primaries. Niger State In Niger State, Adamu Tanko, who represents Suleja/Gurara/Tafa Federal Constituency, left the PDP for the APC in March 2025. Around the same period, former lawmaker Abdullahi Ricco also changed party affiliation. Several other politicians in the state switched parties at different times, showing a wider pattern of political adjustment ahead of the 2027 elections. Some residents expressed dissatisfaction over the situation. A Suleja resident, Aisha Musa, stated that she voted based on party promises, and the decision of elected officials to move to another party without consulting voters feels like a betrayal. Analysts said the timing of these defections suggests that many politicians are aligning with federal authority to secure political survival rather than acting on ideology or public demand. Adamawa State Adamawa experienced one of the most significant political shifts. In February 2026, Speaker Wesley Bathiya and about fifteen lawmakers resigned from the PDP and joined the APC, citing internal disputes within their former party. Shortly afterward, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri also defected to the APC along with members of the state executive council and several local government chairmen. This coordinated move significantly altered the political balance in the state ahead of 2027. Opposition figures argued that the change was motivated by strategy rather than public interest and warned that it could weaken the influence of opposition parties. Federal Capital Territory Senator Ireti Kingibe moved from the Labour Party to the ADC in late 2025. Political observers described the move as a strategic decision aimed at aligning with a party believed to have stronger national influence. Plateau, Rivers, Enugu, Delta and Akwa Ibom States Between April and December 2025, several governors changed party affiliation, including Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), all of whom moved to the APC. Opposition leaders criticized the development, saying the decisions appeared politically motivated and did not reflect the wishes of voters. Analysts said many governors prefer to align with the federal government before elections to gain political advantage and access to resources. Civil society groups also warned that frequent defections weaken democratic accountability and reduce the strength of opposition parties at the state level. Kano State In January 2026, Governor Abba Yusuf left the NNPP for the APC along with several lawmakers and local government officials. Observers described the move as another example of political alignment ahead of elections. Defections also recorded in the National Assembly The National Assembly has also seen several defections. In March 2026, Senators Amos Yohanna, Aminu Iya Abbas, and Ikra Aliyu Bilbis left the PDP for the APC, with their letters officially read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Earlier, Senators Shuaibu Lau and Haruna Manu from Taraba State also joined the APC, increasing the party’s numerical strength in the Senate. Analysts believe these changes are part of efforts to influence legislative control before the 2027 elections. Hidden negotiations behind party switching Many defections are the result of negotiations that are not visible to the public. Political insiders in Niger, Adamawa, and other states told DAILY POST that politicians often consider which party can provide better access to federal support, protection from internal disputes, and stronger chances of re-election. Some defections are timed to affect party primaries or local government elections, indicating that survival strategy often plays a bigger role than ideology. Sources also said discussions sometimes involve federal officials and party leaders, showing that many defections are carefully coordinated. Experts speak on survival politics Dr Dominic Alancha, political analyst and Convener of Concerned APC Stakeholders, North Central, Benue State, said that economic reforms and increased allocations to states under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu encouraged some governors to align with the ruling party, noting that survival is often a major factor. Dr Abdullah Mohammed Jabi, Chairman of the Campaign for Democracy, North Central zone, stated that ideology rarely drives defections, adding that when opposition parties fail to organize properly, members feel forced to leave, which voters see as a
