A fresh wave of political realignment hit Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Tuesday as 18 members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) formally announced their defection from the party.
Seventeen of the lawmakers crossed over to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), while one member, Leke Abejide, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Abejide currently serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise.
The defectors attributed their decision to a prolonged internal crisis within the ADC, which they said had significantly hampered their legislative effectiveness and political stability.
Lawmakers who joined the NDC include Yusuf Umar Datti (Kano), Uchenna Harrison Okonkwo (Anambra), Sani Adamu Wakil (Kano), Thaddius Attah Achef (Lagos), George Ozodinobi (Anambra), Obiageli Lilian Orogbu (Anambra), and Oluwaseun Sowumi (Lagos), among others spanning multiple states.
Additional members who switched to the NDC are Peter Aniekwe (Anambra), Mukthar Umar Zakari (Kano), George Oluwande (Lagos), Murphy Omoruyi (Edo), Munachin Alozie (Abia), Emeka Idu (Anambra), Jessy-Okey Onuakalusi (Lagos), Peter Uzokwe (Anambra), Victor Afam Ogene (Anambra), and Abdulhakeem Kamilu Ado (Kano).
Presiding over plenary, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu made light of the situation, humorously urging the defecting lawmakers to remain consistent, noting that several had only recently joined the ADC from other parties in April.
The development comes just days before the May 10 deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) for political parties to submit updated membership registers in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
With this latest exodus, the ADC’s representation in the House has been drastically reduced to just six members, raising concerns about the party’s standing and influence ahead of the المقبلة electoral cycle.