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BREAKING: 17 REPS DUMP ADC FOR NDC, ONE DEFECTS TO APC
Abuja, FCT – By Prime Brief Media
No fewer than 17 members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday formally announced their defection from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), marking one of the most significant bloc movements in the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections. The defections were read on the floor of the Green Chamber during plenary by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session.
The lawmakers, who cut across constituencies in Kano, Anambra, Lagos, Edo, Kaduna, and Rivers states, cited lingering internal crises within the ADC as their reason for leaving. In separate letters read on the floor, the defectors attributed their decision to what they described as "unresolved crises from the national to ward levels" in the party. The move comes barely 24 hours after former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, alongside former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, also exited the ADC for the NDC.
Among those who defected to the NDC is Yusuf Umar Datti, representing Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam Federal Constituency of Kano State, who said the lingering instability within the ADC had made it difficult to effectively serve his constituents. Similarly, Harris Okonkwo, who represents Idemili North/Idemili South Federal Constituency of Anambra State, said the decision was taken after "wide consultations with political stakeholders and constituents."
The full list of lawmakers who moved from the ADC to the NDC includes: Datti Umar (Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam, Kano), Harris Okonkwo (Idemili North/South, Anambra), Sani Adamu Wakili (Minjibir/Ungogo, Kano), Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa, Lagos), Deputy Minority Whip George Ozodinobi (Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia, Anambra), Lilian Orogbu Obiageli (Awka North/South, Anambra), Oluwaseyi Sowunmi (Ojo, Lagos), Peter Aniekwe (Anambra East/West), Mukhtar Zakari Umar (Tarauni, Kano), George Oluwande (Amuwo Odofin, Lagos), Murphy Osaro Omoruyi (Egor/Ikpoba-Okha, Edo), Munachim Umezuruike (Port Harcourt I, Rivers), Emeka Idu (Onitsha North/South, Anambra), Jesse Onuakalusi (Oshodi-Isolo, Lagos), Ifeanyi Uzokwe (Nnewi North/South/Ekwusigo, Anambra), Afam Ogene (Ogbaru, Anambra), and Abdulhakeem Ado (Wudil/Garko, Kano).
In a related development, Leke Abejide, a two-term lawmaker representing Yagba Federal Constituency of Kogi State, formally announced his defection from the ADC to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Abejide attributed his decision to protracted internal crises within the ADC, citing lingering legal disputes, leadership uncertainty, and alleged deliberate efforts to frustrate his political ambitions.
Most of the defectors had only recently joined the ADC earlier this year, riding on the political momentum generated by prominent figures including Peter Obi in December 2025 and Rabiu Kwankwaso in March 2026. At the time, their entry was widely seen as a potential turning point that could strengthen the ADC as a formidable third force. However, that momentum has since waned amid leadership tussles and parallel factions claiming legitimacy within the party. The crisis escalated when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declined to fully recognise one of the factions, citing inconsistencies in the party's documentation.
Reacting to the wave of defections, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, while presiding over the Senate, joked that the ADC was effectively dead. "I think ADC is dead," Akpabio said, suggesting that lawmakers should compile their defection lists rather than announce them individually. "How many times can you defect in a month? Once. But some have done three times," he added in a lighter tone.
During the Senate plenary, Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, also formally announced his defection from the ADC to the NDC. In his resignation letter, Umeh cited "lingering divisions in the leadership and unending litigation" in the ADC, saying the situation made continued membership untenable. "I remain committed to making my contributions towards the development of our dear nation, but this time through the NDC," he wrote.
The mass defection is expected to significantly alter the balance of power among minority parties in the House, particularly affecting the ADC's standing in the lower chamber. Some lawmakers expressed concern over the growing trend of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that party instability remains a recurring factor driving defections in the National Assembly.
The Speaker acknowledged the defection letters and wished the lawmakers well in their new political parties, in line with parliamentary tradition.
Prime Brief Media is closely following political reactions and will provide updates as the situation evolves.
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