No fewer than 17 members of the House of Representatives have defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), citing unresolved internal crises within their former party.
The defections were announced during Tuesday’s plenary by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who formally read their letters on the floor of the Green Chamber.
Among those who switched allegiance are Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande, and Munachim Umezuruike. Others include Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, Murphy Omroruyi, and Abdulhakeem Ado.
The development reflects a broader wave of political realignments triggered by internal tensions within the ADC, which stakeholders say have weakened party cohesion.
The shift also comes as prominent figures such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso align with the NDC, in what observers describe as a strategic move to consolidate a more stable platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi said his decision followed deep reflection on the country’s situation and the need for a more effective platform for national development, stressing it was not driven by personal ambition. Both leaders have urged supporters to prioritise unity and nation-building over internal disputes.
