No fewer than 16 members of the House of Representatives have defected from the African Democratic Congress to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, in a move that signals deepening political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defections were formally announced during Tuesday’s plenary session by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu.
According to the lawmakers, their decision to leave the ADC was driven by “unresolved crises” within the party, which they said had hindered unity and effective political engagement.
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, and Abdulhakeem Ado.
The development comes amid a broader wave of political shifts linked to internal tensions and structural disagreements within the ADC, which stakeholders have described as disruptive to party cohesion.
Notably, prominent political figures including Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso have also recently aligned with the NDC.
Their move is widely seen as part of efforts to consolidate a more stable political platform and avoid protracted internal conflicts ahead of the next election cycle.
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. He emphasised that his exit was not driven by personal ambition but by the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s challenges through a more focused political structure.
Similarly, Kwankwaso and Obi have reportedly urged their supporters to prioritise national development over internal disputes and litigation, calling for unity within the emerging political coalition.
The latest defections are expected to reshape the political landscape in the National Assembly, with implications for party strength, alliances, and legislative dynamics in the coming months.
