No fewer than 17 members of the House of Representatives have defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), in a development that underscores intensifying political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defections were formally announced during plenary on Tuesday, marking a significant shift in the composition of the lower legislative chamber.
In a related move, lawmaker Leke Abejide also defected from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Those who joined the NDC include 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, Murphy Omoruyi, and Abdulhakeem Ado.
The latest wave of defections comes just two days after former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, Musa Kwankwaso, formally joined the NDC from the ADC.
Both men, prominent opposition figures and former presidential candidates in the 2023 elections under different political platforms, were presented with membership cards on Sunday following a closed-door meeting with party leaders. Their arrival was met with enthusiasm from party supporters.
They were received into the party by former Bayelsa State Governor and NDC national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson.
Explaining his decision to leave the ADC, Obi cited a deteriorating political environment characterized by internal crises, external interference, and increasing hostility within party structures. He described the broader political climate as toxic, marked by intimidation, insecurity, and persistent scrutiny.
Obi emphasized that his departure was not driven by personal grievances against key party leaders, including former Senate President David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, both of whom he said he continues to hold in high regard.
Rather, he pointed to recurring patterns of internal division, legal disputes, and the infiltration of destabilising elements—challenges he noted were similar to those he encountered in his previous political platform.
Kwankwaso, on his part, urged Nigerians to register with the NDC, stating that efforts were already underway to expand the party’s membership base nationwide.
Welcoming the new entrants, Senator Dickson described the NDC as a cohesive platform free of internal litigation and factional disputes. He added that, despite its relative youth, the party has demonstrated resilience and rapid growth, positioning itself as a formidable force in the evolving political landscape.
He expressed confidence that the NDC is prepared to compete strongly in the lead-up to the 2027 elections, noting that the party is ready to “box above its weight.”
