- Seventeen ADC lawmakers defected to the Nigerian Democratic Congress in the House of Representatives
- Speaker Abass Tajudeen formally announced the defections during plenary
- The move followed the earlier defection of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to the NDC
A wave of defections has hit Nigeria’s House of Representatives, as no fewer than 17 lawmakers elected on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have crossed over to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).
The development was formally announced on Tuesday by the Speaker of the House, Abass Tajudeen, during plenary. The announcement underscores a growing realignment within Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of future electoral contests.
Among the lawmakers who defected to the NDC are Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande and Munachim Umezuruike.
Others who joined the NDC include Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene and Abdulhakeem Ado.
In a related development, the Speaker also disclosed that Leke Abejide had defected from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress (APC), further highlighting the fluidity of party affiliations within the legislature.
The mass defection comes barely 24 hours after prominent political figures, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, also left the ADC to join the NDC. Both politicians have since reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing what they described as a better future for Nigeria under the new party platform.
Political analysts suggest that the latest developments could significantly alter the balance of power within the House of Representatives, while also strengthening the NDC’s position as an emerging political force. The scale and speed of the defections indicate a broader shift that may influence alliances, legislative dynamics and electoral strategies in the months ahead.
As Nigeria’s political environment continues to evolve, attention is likely to focus on how the NDC consolidates its growing membership and whether it can translate this momentum into tangible political gains.