16 Lawmakers Dump ADC; Announce New Party

No fewer than 16 members of the House of Representatives have defected from the African Democratic Congress to the Nigerian Democratic Congress.

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 broader wave of political realignments reportedly linked to ongoing tensions and structural disagreements within the ADC, which some stakeholders have described as disruptive to the party’s 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 aimed to avoid internal party conflicts and strengthen 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 prioritise national development over litigation and internal disputes, calling for unity within the new political arrangement.