El-Rufai’s Son Leads Wave Of Defection As Four Lawmakers Dump Parties

Again, a fresh wave of defections hit the House of Representatives as Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The son of the embattled former Governor announced his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

CityMirrorNews had earlier reported that three other lawmakers also dumped their former parties for either the ADC or the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The development reflected the ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Those who joined the ADC include Umar Ajilo, representing Kudan/Makarfi Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, and Suleiman Richifa, representing Soba Federal Constituency, both of whom left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Chinedu Obika, who represents the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), also announced his defection from the APC to the NDC.

Although the Speaker initially announced five defections during plenary, it was later clarified that the defection of Abdulhakeen Ado to the NDC had already been formally announced during Tuesday’s sitting.

Explaining his decision to leave the PDP, Ajilo said the prolonged leadership crisis within the party had affected his ability to concentrate fully on representation.

According to him, consultations with stakeholders in his constituency influenced his decision to align with the ADC in pursuit of his political future.

Bello El-Rufai described his departure from the APC as a difficult but necessary move, noting that he arrived at the decision after consultations with political associates and mentors.

Obika, on his part, said he became dissatisfied with the conduct of the APC congresses in the Federal Capital Territory despite actively participating in party activities after joining the APC from the Labour Party on March 11, 2026.