APC Secures Two-Thirds Majority in Nigerian House of Representatives After Opposition Defections

APC Achieves Legislative Dominance

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria's ruling party, has secured a commanding two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives following the defection of six opposition lawmakers. The announcement, made during a plenary session on Thursday, October 30, 2025, significantly strengthens the APC's legislative power, enabling it to pass critical legislation and resolutions without requiring support from opposition parties.

Details of the Defections

The six lawmakers who switched allegiance to the APC comprised five members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing constituencies in Enugu State and one member from the Labour Party (LP) representing a constituency in Plateau State. Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, formally announced the defections after reading individual letters submitted by the lawmakers.

The defectors from Enugu State, previously with the PDP, include:

• Hon. Nnolim John Nnaji (Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency)
• Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu (Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency)
• Hon. Oke Martins (Igbo Etiti/Uzo Uwani Federal Constituency)
• Hon. Obetta Mark Chidiebere (Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency)
• Hon. Dennis Nnamdi Agbo (Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency)

They were joined by Hon. Daniel Asama, who represents the Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency of Plateau State, defecting from the Labour Party. These defections increased the APC's numerical strength in the 360-member chamber to 243 seats, comfortably surpassing the two-thirds threshold of 240 members required for major legislative decisions.

Reasons and Political Context

In their letters to the Speaker, the defecting lawmakers cited 'unresolved internal crises,' 'leadership disputes,' and 'factional divisions' within their former parties as primary reasons for their decision. Some also expressed a desire to align with the vision of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, who recently defected to the APC, to foster greater development and connect their constituencies to the national political center. High-profile figures, including APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and Governor Mbah, were present during the plenary session to witness the formal reception of the new members.

Implications for Governance

This shift in the House of Representatives' composition grants the APC significant legislative leverage. With a two-thirds majority, the ruling party can now 'push through key legislation and resolutions without depending on opposition support.' This consolidation of power is expected to influence upcoming policy debates on critical issues such as budget allocations, security reforms, and national development initiatives. Political analysts suggest this development is part of a broader realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the APC intensifying efforts to strengthen its presence, particularly in the South-East region.