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Seventeen members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday formally renounced their membership in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The lawmakers made the announcement at a plenary session, citing an internal crisis within their party earlier.
Their steps followed those of other ADC chiefs. Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, also former governor of Kano.
The defectors cut across Kano, Anambra, Lagos, Edo and Rivers states, as they read separate letters on the floor of the House of Representatives, linking their decision to what they described as the “unresolved crisis from the national to the regional level” in the ADC.
Among those who defected was Yusuf Umar Datti, representing Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam Federal Constituency in Kano State, who said the lingering instability within the ADC had made effective service to his constituents difficult.
Harris Okonkwo, who represents Idemili North/Idemili South Federal Constituency in Anambra State, said the decision was taken after “extensive consultation with political stakeholders and constituents.”
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Other MPs who switched from ADC to NDC include Sani Adamu (Minjibir/Ungogo, Kano); Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa, Lagos); Deputy Minority Whip, George Ozodinobi (Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia, Anambra); Lilian Obiageli (Awka North/Awka South, Anambra); and OluwaSeyi Sowunmi (Ojo, Lagos).
Also among the defectors were Peter Anekwe (Anambra East/West); Zakari Umar Mukhtari (Tarauni, Kano); George Olawande (Amuwo Odofin, Lagos); Murphy Osaro Omoruyi (Egor/Ikpoba-Okha, Edo); Umezuruike Manuchim (Harcourt Port I, River); Emeka Idu (Onitsha North/South, Anambra); and Jesse Onuakalusi (Oshodi-Isolo, Lagos).
Others include Ifeanyi Uzokwe (Nnewi North/South/Ekwusigo, Anambra); Afam Ogene (Ogbaru, Anambra); and Kamilu Ado (Wudil/Garko, Kano).
In a related development, Leke Abejide, representing Yagba Federal Constituency, also announced his defection from ADC to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In response to the mass defections, several MPs expressed concern over the increasing trend of political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, and noted that party instability remains a recurring factor driving defections in the National Assembly.
The DPR speaker acknowledged the letters and wished the defected MPs success in their new political party, in line with parliamentary traditions. This development is expected to change the balance of power between minority parties in the DPR, particularly impacting the ADC’s position in the lower house.
