Seventeen members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives have defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in what signals a widening wave of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The defection notices were formally announced during Tuesday’s plenary session by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

The affected lawmakers represent constituencies across several states including Kano, Anambra, Lagos, Edo, and Rivers. Those who moved to the NDC include Yusuf Datti (Kano), Harris Okonkwo (Anambra), Sani Adamu (Kano), Thaddeus Attah (Lagos), George Ozodinobi, Lilian Obiageli (Anambra), Oluwaseyi Sowunmi (Lagos), Peter Anekwe (Anambra), Zakari Mukhtari (Kano), George Olawande (Lagos), Murphy Omroruyi (Edo), Umezuruike Manuchim (Rivers), Emeka Idu (Anambra), Jese Onuakalusi (Lagos), Ifeanyi Uzokwe (Anambra), Afam Ogene (Anambra), and Kamilu Ado (Kano).

In a related development, Leke Abejide, who represents Yagba federal constituency in Kogi State, defected from the ADC to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers cited internal leadership disputes and ongoing legal challenges within their former parties as the main reasons for their decision to switch allegiance.

The latest defections come amid increasing political movements within the National Assembly, as politicians reposition themselves ahead of the next general elections.

This development follows the recent defection of prominent political figures such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who both moved from the ADC to the NDC earlier this week and encouraged their supporters nationwide to join the party.

Political analysts say the growing number of defections could significantly reshape party strength and alliances in the lead-up to 2027.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has extended the deadline for the sale and submission of its expression of interest and nomination forms ahead of upcoming primaries.

The decision was approved by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) during a meeting held on Thursday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Speaking after the meeting, Durosinmi Meseko said the sale of forms will now close at midnight on May 4, 2026, while submission of completed forms and required documents has been extended to midnight on May 5.

Meseko explained that the extension was necessitated by the public holiday observed nationwide on Friday and the high level of interest from aspirants.

The party had earlier fixed May 2 as the deadline for the sale of forms and May 4 for submission.

The APC had released its timetable for the 2027 elections on April 20, with Sulaiman Argungu outlining the costs for various positions.

According to the schedule, presidential aspirants are required to pay N30 million for the expression of interest form and N70 million for the nomination form. Governorship aspirants will pay N10 million and N40 million respectively.

Senate aspirants are to pay N3 million for the expression of interest form and N17 million for the nomination form, while House of Representatives aspirants will pay N1 million and N9 million. For State House of Assembly seats, the fees are N1 million for expression of interest and N5 million for nomination.

The party also stated that female aspirants, youths, and persons with disabilities will pay the full expression of interest fee but enjoy a 50 percent discount on the nomination form.

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has directed David Mark and other parties in the African Democratic Congress leadership dispute to return to the Federal High Court for the continuation of the case.

In a unanimous judgment delivered Thursday, a five-member panel led by Mohammed Garba ruled that the Court of Appeal acted beyond its jurisdiction by issuing an order directing parties to maintain the status quo after dismissing the appeal.

The apex court described the order as “unnecessary, unwarranted and improper,” and subsequently set it aside.

The case stems from a suit filed by Nafiu Bala, who is challenging the leadership of the party. Bala is seeking recognition as acting national chairman, arguing that he did not resign as vice-chairman and should succeed the party’s former chairman, Ralph Nwosu.

Earlier, the Court of Appeal had dismissed Mark’s challenge to proceedings at the Federal High Court, describing it as premature and incompetent. It also ordered parties to maintain the status quo and awarded costs against Mark.

However, the Supreme Court upheld part of the appellate court’s decision, agreeing that Mark failed to obtain the required leave before filing the appeal. It nevertheless nullified the status quo order and instructed all parties to return to the trial court for determination of the substantive issues.

The ruling effectively restores the case to the Federal High Court, where the dispute over the ADC’s leadership will now be fully heard.