No fewer than 16 members of the House of Representatives have defected from the African Democratic Congress, ADC to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC.
The defections were formally announced on the floor of the Green Chamber during Tuesday’s plenary session by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
The lawmakers cited “unresolved crises” as the reason for their decision to leave the party.
Those who moved to the NDC include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande, and Munachim Umezuruike.
Others are Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, and Abdulhakeem Ado.
The development comes amid a wider wave of political realignments reportedly linked to ongoing tensions and structural disagreements within the ADC, which some stakeholders have described as disruptive to party cohesion.
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi and ex-Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso were among prominent political figures who recently aligned with the NDC, with reports indicating that their move was aimed at avoiding internal party conflicts and strengthening a more stable political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obi, in a statement, said his decision followed “deep reflection” on the state of the nation and the need to contribute more effectively to national development, stressing that his exit was not driven by personal ambition or dissatisfaction.
He also noted that the prevailing situation in the country required focused leadership and reduced internal distractions within political platforms.
Similarly, Kwankwaso and Obi were reported to have urged supporters to prioritize national development over litigation and internal disputes, calling for unity within the new political arrangement.
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The announcement was read on the floor of the Senate by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday, where Umeh’s letter of resignation and defection was presented.
In the letter, Umeh said he took the decision after wide consultations with his family, constituents, and supporters.
“I welcome you and the entire Senate through this medium of my resignation from the African Democratic Congress, ADC and my defection to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC,” he stated.
He added that his decision was informed by “lingering divisions in the leadership and unending litigation in the African Democratic Congress,” noting that the crisis had made continued membership difficult.
“I have taken this decision after wide consultations with my family, my constituents and supporters in view of the lingering divisions in the leadership and unending litigation in the African Democratic Congress,” the letter read.
Umeh said he remained committed to contributing to national development but would now do so under the NDC platform.
“I remain committed to making my contributions towards the development of our dear nation, but this time through the NDC. Please accept the assurances of my highest regards. Yours faithfully,” he wrote.
The Senate President, while acknowledging the letter, briefly congratulated the lawmaker following the announcement on the floor.
Recall that Umeh had confirmed his resignation during an interview on Arise TV on Monday, stating that he had formally left the ADC on May 1 before joining the NDC.
“I’ve resigned from the ADC since the 1st of May. NDC? That’s the destination,” he said.
Explaining further, the senator said the coalition that birthed the ADC had initially generated hope but was later affected by internal disagreements and legal disputes.
“When the coalition came together, it came with a lot of hope. Along the line, legal twists were introduced in the matter,” he said.
He also defended frequent party movements in Nigeria, attributing them to weak institutional stability within the political system.
“Movement from party to party happens in Nigeria because of the lack of stability in our politics, “Umeh said.
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