A member of the House of Representatives, Abdullahi El-Rasheed, popularly known as Bala Kelly, has defected from the All Progressives Congress following disagreements over the party’s consensus arrangement for the Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency ticket.

Sources within the party said the lawmaker decided to leave the APC after reportedly losing out in the internal consensus process ahead of preparations for the next election cycle. His defection is expected to reshape political calculations within the constituency and could influence alignments among supporters in the area.

Political observers note that internal disputes over candidate selection and consensus arrangements have continued to trigger tensions and defections across several political parties as politicians position themselves for future elections.

Bala Kelly is yet to officially announce his new political platform, but associates say consultations are ongoing with other parties and stakeholders.