The only member of the House of Representatives elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency in Borno State, Usman Midala Balami, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Balami’s move came as a surprise to many of his supporters after he was spotted at an APC stakeholders’ meeting held on Sunday at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Government House in Maiduguri.
In a resignation letter dated January 24, 2026, addressed to the PDP chairman of Bwalahizhi Ward in Hawul Local Government Area and copied to the party’s local and state leadership, the lawmaker formally announced his exit from the PDP.
He explained that the decision was reached after extensive consultations with political leaders across party lines, as well as discussions with his family and close associates.
“After broad consultations with leaders of different political parties, alongside friends, family, and loved ones, I have found it necessary to resign from the Peoples Democratic Party with immediate effect,” Balami said.
He attributed his defection to ongoing internal crises and factional disagreements within the PDP, which he said have continued to weaken the party’s cohesion and effectiveness.
“The persistent internal crises and factional divisions within the party have continued to erode its unity and capacity to function effectively,” he added.
Despite leaving the party, Balami expressed gratitude to the PDP for the opportunity to serve under its platform, noting that his experience within the party played a key role in his political development and dedication to public service.
The defection further bolsters the APC’s strength in Borno State and adds to the growing number of lawmakers switching political allegiance ahead of the 2026 political season.