Mass Exodus Rocks ADC as 16 Lawmakers Defect to NDC

No fewer than 16 members of the House of Representatives have dumped the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), in a move that signals deepening cracks within the opposition party.

The defections was formally announced on the floor of the Green Chamber during Tuesday’s plenary by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.

According to the lawmakers, their decision to leave the ADC was driven by what they described as unresolved internal crises that had continued to undermine the party’s cohesion.

Those who switched allegiance 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 mass movement is expected to alter the numerical strength of parties within the House and could have implications for legislative alignments ahead of future political contests.

The development comes amid broader realignments within the opposition space, as political actors reposition ahead of upcoming elections.