In a major political realignment, sixteen members of Nigeria's House of Representatives have defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). This development comes shortly after prominent opposition figures Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso formally joined the NDC.
Background of the Political Shift
Obi and Kwankwaso were officially received into the NDC during a high-profile meeting in Abuja, where they were issued membership cards by party leaders. Analysts view this as a strategic move to strengthen the opposition bloc ahead of the 2027 elections. The defections were announced during a plenary session by the Speaker of the House.
List of Lawmakers Who Defected to the NDC
The following lawmakers moved from ADC to NDC:
- 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
- Abdulhakeem Ado
Additionally, Leke Abejide defected from ADC to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the same session, indicating a broader political reshuffle.
Reasons for Defection
The defectors cited internal party crises, leadership disputes, and prolonged instability within the ADC as their primary reasons for leaving. They argued that these issues had weakened party cohesion and limited their ability to function effectively as representatives.
Impact on Opposition Landscape
The timing of the defections, coinciding with Obi and Kwankwaso's entry into the NDC, highlights a rapid consolidation of political forces within Nigeria's opposition. This development could significantly alter power dynamics in the House of Representatives, particularly regarding voting blocs and future legislative alignments.
As of the time of this report, the leadership of the affected parties had not issued a formal detailed response to the mass defections.
