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 formally announced during Tuesday’s plenary session by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
According to the lawmakers, persistent disagreements and structural issues within the ADC influenced their decision to seek a new political platform.
Those who defected include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande, and Munachim Umezuruike. Others are Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, Murphy Omroruyi, and Abdulhakeem Ado.
The development comes amid a broader wave of political realignments linked to tensions and internal disputes within the ADC, which stakeholders say have undermined party cohesion.
Meanwhile, prominent political figures, including former presidential candidate Peter Obi and ex-Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, have also aligned with the NDC. Their moves are believed to be part of efforts to avoid internal conflicts and strengthen a more stable political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement, Obi said his decision followed deep reflection on the state of the nation and the need to contribute more effectively to national development, stressing that it was not driven by personal ambition or dissatisfaction.
Similarly, Kwankwaso and Obi reportedly urged their supporters to prioritise national development over internal disputes, calling for unity within the new political arrangement.
Margaret ABAH
