Seventeen House of Representatives members have abandoned the African Democratic Congress for the National Democratic Congress this week. They cited unresolved disputes tearing apart the ADC at every level.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu presided over Tuesday's plenary session when lawmakers formally announced their party switches. Each member submitted separate letters explaining their decision to leave.
The defectors accused the ADC leadership of failing to resolve internal conflicts. According to them, the turmoil made it impossible to work effectively as legislators.
From Kano State, four representatives switched parties: Yusuf Umar Datti (Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam), Sani Adamu (Minjibir/Ungogo), Zakari Umar Mukhtari (Tarauni), and Kamilu Ado (Wudil/Garko).
The south-east region saw a particularly large exodus to the NDC. Eight lawmakers from Anambra and Enugu made the move.
Harris Okonkwo from Idemili North/Idemili South led the Anambra contingent. George Ozodinobi, the deputy minority whip, also joined him in the defection.
Lilian Obiageli, Peter Anekwe, Emeka Idu, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, and Afam Ogene completed the Anambra list. All five represented various constituencies across the state.
Lagos contributed four more lawmakers to the NDC wave. Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa), OluwaSeyi Sowunmi (Ojo), George Olawande (Amuwo-Odofin), and Jese Onuakalusi (Oshodi-Isolo) made the switch.
Two additional members from Nigeria's southern region also defected. Murphy Osaro Omoruyi represents Egor/Ikpoba-Okha in Edo State, while Umezuruike Manuchim comes from Port Harcourt I in Rivers.
Separately, one lawmaker chose a different path altogether. Leke Abejide, who represents Yagba, left the ADC to join the ruling All Progressives Congress instead.
Political observers view this as one of the largest bloc defections of the current session. It raises serious questions about whether the ADC can survive as a viable national party.
