JUST-IN: ADC Loses 18 Reps Members As 17 Defect To NDC, 1 Joins APC

A fresh wave of defections has hit the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the House of Representatives, as 18 lawmakers on Tuesday dumped the party over its lingering internal crisis.

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17 of the legislators moved to the Nigeria rDemocratic Congress (NDC), while one defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defectors said the protracted instability within the ADC had made it difficult for them to function effectively and fulfil their legislative responsibilities.

Chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise, Leke Abejide, was the lone defector to the APC.

Those who joined the NDC were Yusuf Umar Datti (Kano), Uchenna Harrison Okonkwo (Anambra), Sani Adamu Wakil (Kano), Thaddius Attah Achef (Lagos), George Ozodinobi (Anambra), Obiageli Lilian Orogbu (Anambra) and Oluwaseun Sowumi (Lagos).

Others include Peter Aniekwe (Anambra), Mukthar Umar Zakari (Kano), George Oluwande (Lagos), Murphy Omoruyi (Edo), Munachin Alozie (Abia), Emeka Idu (Anambra), Jessy-Okey Onuakalusi (Lagos), Peter Uzokwe (Anambra), Victor Afam Ogene (Anambra) and Abdulhakeem Kamilu Ado (Kano).

The development comes days before the May 10 deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for political parties to submit their membership registers ahead of the 2027 general election, with more defections expected.

During plenary, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over proceedings, jokingly advised the lawmakers to remain consistent, noting that several of them had only recently joined the ADC from other parties in April.

With this latest development, the ADC is now left with just six members in the House of Representatives.