Seventeen members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), while one lawmaker moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a wave of political realignments that reshaped the lower chamber’s balance of power.
The defections, announced during plenary, were contained in separate letters read on the floor of the House. The lawmakers cited unresolved internal crises within the ADC as the primary reason for their departure, describing the party’s situation as unstable from the national to ward levels.
The development drew members from Kano, Anambra, Lagos, Edo and Rivers States, underscoring the wide geographic spread of the political shift.
Among the defectors is Yusuf Umar Datti, representing Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam Federal Constituency of Kano State, who said persistent leadership disputes within the ADC had hindered his legislative effectiveness and service delivery to his constituents.
Similarly, Harris Okonkwo of Idemili North/Idemili South Federal Constituency in Anambra State said the move followed consultations with stakeholders in his constituency, insisting the decision was taken in the interest of political stability.
Other lawmakers who crossed over to the NDC include Sani Adamu (Minjibir/Ungogo, Kano); Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa, Lagos); Deputy Minority Whip, George Ozodinobi (Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia, Anambra); Lilian Obiageli (Awka North/Awka South, Anambra); and OluwaSeyi Sowunmi (Ojo, Lagos).
Also on the list are Peter Anekwe (Anambra East/West); Zakari Umar Mukhtari (Tarauni, Kano); George Olawande (Amuwo Odofin, Lagos); Murphy Osaro Omoruyi (Egor/Ikpoba-Okha, Edo); Umezuruike Manuchim (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 Kamilu Ado (Wudil/Garko, Kano).
In a separate development, Leke Abejide, representing Yagba Federal Constituency, announced his defection from the ADC to the APC.
The mass defections immediately triggered concerns among lawmakers over the growing instability of smaller political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, with some describing the trend as a reflection of deepening ideological fragility in the political system.
A senior lawmaker who spoke during the session but asked not to be named said the recurring waves of defections were weakening party structures and altering legislative alignments mid-term.
The Speaker of the House acknowledged the letters of defection and wished the lawmakers well in their new political platforms, in line with parliamentary procedure.
The latest political shift is expected to significantly weaken the ADC’s presence in the House, while strengthening the numerical advantage of the NDC and modestly boosting APC’s representation.
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