No fewer than 17 members of the house of representatives on Tuesday defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The lawmakers announced their defections during plenary, reading separate letters in which they pointed to “unresolved crises from the national to ward levels” as the reason for their exit.
Among the defectors was Yusuf Umar Datti, who represents Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam Federal Constituency of Kano State. He said persistent instability within the ADC had hindered his ability to effectively represent his constituents.
Similarly, Harris Okonkwo, representing Idemili North/Idemili South Federal Constituency of Anambra State, said his decision followed “wide consultations with political stakeholders and constituents.”
Other lawmakers who joined the NDC include representatives from Kano, Lagos, Anambra, Edo and Rivers states, signalling a broad-based shift that cuts across key regions.
In a related development, Leke Abejide, representing Yagba Federal Constituency, defected from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The wave of defections has sparked concern within the chamber, with some lawmakers warning that persistent party instability is fuelling political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Speaker acknowledged the letters and wished the defecting lawmakers well in their new political parties, in line with parliamentary tradition.
The development is expected to alter the balance of power among minority parties in the House, particularly affecting the ADC’s standing in the lower chamber.
