Niger 2027: At least 10 APC lawmakers may defect to PDP

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, sources familiar with the development have told PREMIUM TIMES.

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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.

Mr 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.

“Preparations are far advanced, and there is already a high level of understanding and agreement among the stakeholders,” one of the sources said.

The development, if confirmed, could significantly alter the political calculations in the Niger State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Political realignment

The reported move comes amid heightened political activity in Niger State, with both the APC and PDP working to strengthen their structures ahead of the 2027 elections.

The PDP recently named Mr Nami as its governorship candidate after other aspirants reportedly stepped down in his favour.

The party said his emergence would strengthen its efforts to reclaim the state from the APC.

However, the PDP has also suffered a major setback in the state.

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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 latest developments suggest that the battle for political supremacy in Niger State is already taking shape ahead of the 2027 elections, with politicians across the major parties reassessing their positions.

As of the time of filing this report, the identities of the lawmakers expected to defect and the exact date of their formal announcement could not be independently confirmed.