The member representing Gwaram Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, Yusuf Galambi, on Thursday, announced his defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress, citing a leadership crisis.

Galambi’s defection was announced during plenary on Thursday by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, in a letter transmitted to the House leadership.

The letter, obtained by The PUNCH, read in part: “I write to formally notify you and the honourable members of my decision to switch my political party membership from the New Nigeria People’s Party to the All Progressives Congress.

“This decision follows the directives of my constituents, who are dissatisfied with the leadership crisis, litigations, and factional disputes within the NNPP, which threaten the political future of its members.

“I appreciate the NNPP for providing me the platform to be in this great chamber before the unfortunate division that has now factionalised the party. This decision is in accordance with Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) for your guidance and records.”

He pledged his readiness to abide by the values of the APC-led administration as contained in the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Galambi’s defection has further fuelled concerns about Nigeria’s gradual drift toward a one-party state, as more opposition lawmakers switch allegiance to the ruling party.

In December 2024, the Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives lost four members to the APC.

 Those who defected included Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), and Iyawe Esosa (Edo).

Similarly, Erthiatake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, ended her association with the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the APC.

Within the past two weeks, the PDP has also lost three members in the House of Representatives to the ruling party.

Those who defected include Salisu Koko, who represents Koko-Besse/Maiyama Federal Constituency in Kebbi State; Amos Magaji, who represents Zango Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency in Kaduna State; and Ned Nwoko, the Senator representing Delta North District.

These defections signal a continued realignment of political forces ahead of the 2027 general elections, raising questions about the state of opposition politics in the country.