The Nigerian political landscape witnessed a significant shake-up as four senators and 18 members of the House of Representatives resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. This mass exodus followed the decision of former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to abandon the ADC and join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in pursuit of their 2027 presidential ambitions.
Background of the Defections
Peter Obi, who ran under the Labour Party in 2023, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), had previously joined the ADC as part of a broader opposition coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu. However, their recent shift to the NDC triggered a wave of resignations among their supporters in the National Assembly.
Senate Resignations
According to reports, four senators left the ADC. Among them, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) moved to the Labour Party, while Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) and Senator Rufai Hanga (Kano Central) joined the NDC. Hanga defected from the NNPP rather than the ADC.
House of Representatives Exodus
In the lower chamber, 18 lawmakers resigned from the ADC. Seventeen of them joined the NDC, while one, Leke Abejide, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Notable defectors include Yusuf Umar Datti (Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam), Harris Okonkwo (Idemili North/South), and Sani Adamu (Minjibir/Ungogo, Kano). Others include Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa, Lagos), George Ozodinobi (Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia), and Lilian Obiageli (Awka North/South).
Impact on Opposition Politics
The mass defections underscore the fluidity of opposition alliances ahead of the 2027 elections. Obi and Kwankwaso, who together garnered significant votes in 2023, are now consolidating under the NDC banner. The ADC, once seen as a unifying platform, has been weakened, while the NDC gains momentum.
INEC Reverses ADC Leadership Decision
In a related development, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reversed its earlier decision to derecognize the leadership of former Senate President David Mark in the ADC. This followed a Supreme Court ruling that set aside a Court of Appeal decision on the party's internal crisis. Mark's name has been reinstated as party chairman on INEC's website.
List of Senators Who Resigned
- Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) – from ADC to Labour Party
- Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) – from ADC to NDC
- Rufai Hanga (Kano Central) – from NNPP to NDC
List of House of Reps Members Who Resigned
- Yusuf Umar Datti (Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam) – to NDC
- Harris Okonkwo (Idemili North/South) – to NDC
- Sani Adamu (Minjibir/Ungogo, Kano) – to NDC
- Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa, Lagos) – to NDC
- George Ozodinobi (Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia) – to NDC
- Lilian Obiageli (Awka North/South) – to NDC
- Oluwaseyi Sowunmi (Ojo, Lagos) – to NDC
- Peter Anekwe (Anambra East/West) – to NDC
- Zakari Umar Mukhtari (Tarauni, Kano) – to NDC
- George Olawande (Amuwo Odofin, Lagos) – to NDC
- Murphy Osaro Omoruyi (Egor/Ikpoba-Okha) – to NDC
- Umezuruike Munachim (Port Harcourt I) – to NDC
- Emeka Idu (Onitsha North/South) – to NDC
- Jesse Onuakalusi (Oshodi-Isolo) – to NDC
- Ifeanyi Uzokwe (Nnewi North/South/Ekwusigo) – to NDC
- Afam Ogene (Ogbaru, Anambra) – to NDC
- Kamilu Ado (Wudil/Garko) – to NDC
- Leke Abejide – to APC
The political realignment continues to reshape Nigeria's opposition landscape as parties jostle for position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
