A significant political realignment is reportedly underway in Nigeria's National Assembly, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) positioned as the major beneficiary ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Massive Defection to ADC Imminent
According to multiple insider sources, the ADC is set to receive no fewer than 21 Senators and 86 members of the House of Representatives in the coming weeks. This potential movement would see over one hundred lawmakers from the 10th National Assembly switching their political allegiance.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is expected to bear the brunt of this exodus, accounting for approximately 70% of the defecting lawmakers. The remaining 30% is projected to come from a combination of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigerian People's Party (NNPP).
State-by-State Breakdown and Strategy
The details emerged from meetings convened by the ADC national chairman, Senator David Mark, in Abuja. One source provided a regional breakdown of the expected defections, indicating a strong wave of movement from several states.
In Benue state alone, about eight National Assembly members are considering leaving the APC for the ADC. From Kano state, six members have so far been recorded, with more expected. Borno state has one Senator and four House of Representatives members ready to decamp.
Interest from the Southeast is described as less intense for now, with only two Senators and about eight House members reportedly in talks. However, sources indicate that more are expected to join in the coming days.
A source from Lagos state confirmed that two House of Representatives members are already secured for the ADC. The party's strategy, as led by Senator Mark, involves offering assurances of automatic tickets and smooth primaries for all serving members who defect, making it an attractive "soft landing spot" for 2027, especially for young and first-time lawmakers uncertain of their re-election tickets.
Context and Recent Party Moves
This development follows recent internal actions by the ADC. The party's National Working Committee (NWC) recently ratified the expulsion of Leke Abejide, who had endorsed President Bola Tinubu, after a decision by its Kogi state executive committee. This move, announced by national publicity secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, signals the party's intent to solidify its independent stance.
Furthermore, the ADC has publicly shared its strategy to contest the 2027 presidential election, drawing parallels to President Muhammadu Buhari's past victories achieved without the backing of serving governors. The party has actively invited sidelined politicians, promising fair participation mechanisms and lower nomination fees compared to other major parties.
With pledges focusing on youth inclusion, fair governance, and a call for citizens to secure their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), the ADC is positioning itself as a formidable force in the upcoming electoral cycle. A source close to the developments boldly claimed that it would only take a few months for the party to "sweep half of the National Assembly" if the current momentum holds.
