17 reps Download ADC for NDC, increase opposition strength – THIS AGE

A major political realignment occurred in the House of Representatives on Tuesday when no fewer than 17 lawmakers formally defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), significantly increasing the opposition party’s strength in the lower house of the National Assembly.

The defections were announced in the House plenary, immediately attracting the attention of parliamentarians and reshaping the numerical balance between the political parties represented in the Green Chamber.

The defection of Leke Abejide from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was also announced at the same session, adding to the wave of party movements that characterized the session.

Legislators who switched en masse from ADC to NDC include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lillian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande, Munachim Umezuruike, Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene and Abdulhakeem Ado.

Their defection marks one of the most significant blocking movements in recent times within the House of Representatives, immediately strengthening the numerical and strategic positioning of the NDC caucus.

The President formally acknowledged the defections during the plenary proceedings in line with the legislative procedure. The announcement was met with calm attention as lawmakers took note of the change in party composition within the House.

While no official objection has been raised, the development is expected to trigger further political consultations among party leaders in the coming days.

The entry of 17 lawmakers into the NDC is widely seen as a major boost to the party’s legislative influence, particularly in committee participation, sponsoring motions and building coalitions within the House.

The growing presence of the NDC is expected to introduce a more competitive dynamic within the opposition bloc, potentially altering patterns of negotiation on key national issues.

In a related development, Leke Abejide’s defection to the ruling APC was also formally announced during the plenary, boosting the ruling party’s numbers in the House and reflecting the ongoing political recalibration among lawmakers across party lines.