17 Reps Dump ADC for NDC as Political Realignments Intensify

No fewer than 17 members of the House of Representatives have defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), in a move that underscores growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The defections were formally announced during plenary on Tuesday, marking one of the largest recent shifts within the lower chamber.

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, Munachim Umezuruike, Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, Murphy Omoruyi, and Abdulhakeem Ado.

In a separate development, Leke Abejide also defected from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The latest defections come just days after former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and ex-Kano State Governor, Musa Kwankwaso, officially joined the NDC.

Both opposition figures were received into the party by former Bayelsa State Governor and NDC leader, Seriake Dickson, following a closed-door meeting with party leadership.

Obi, who was the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party Nigeria (LP), cited internal crises, external interference, and what he described as a “toxic political climate” as reasons for his exit from the ADC.

He said persistent legal disputes, internal divisions, and destabilising forces within the party influenced his decision to seek a new political platform.

Kwankwaso, on his part, urged Nigerians to join the NDC, stating that his political camp had already commenced registration nationwide.

Welcoming the new entrants, Dickson described the NDC as a stable and fast-growing political party free from internal litigation and factional disputes.

The wave of defections is expected to significantly reshape the opposition landscape as political actors reposition ahead of the next general elections.