At least 17 House of Reps members have defected from ADC to NDC, citing internal crises and party instability
No fewer than 17 members of the House of Representatives have formally defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) during Tuesday’s plenary session in the Green Chamber.
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The announcement was made on the floor of the House by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, confirming the lawmakers’ switch in party affiliation amid growing political realignments.
The defecting lawmakers cited unresolved internal crises within the ADC as the reason for their decision to exit the party. The move marks one of the most significant shifts in the current legislative session.
Among those who joined the NDC 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 comes amid wider political repositioning within the opposition landscape, with reports pointing to ongoing tensions and structural disagreements within the ADC.
Some stakeholders have described the situation as disruptive to internal cohesion.
In recent days, prominent political figures including former presidential candidate Peter Obi and ex-Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso have been linked to the NDC, in what analysts describe as part of a broader alignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi, in a statement, said his decision followed deep reflection on the state of the nation and the need for improved national development.
He stressed that the move was not driven by personal ambition but by a desire for more effective political engagement.
He also noted that internal disputes and distractions within political structures were hindering progress, calling for stronger focus on governance and unity.
Kwankwaso and Obi were also reported to have urged supporters to prioritise national development over litigation and internal party conflicts, signalling a coordinated push towards stability within the new political arrangement.
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The wave of defections is expected to reshape legislative dynamics in the coming months as parties recalibrate their strength within the National Assembly.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
