A sweeping wave of defections rocked the House of Representatives on Tuesday as 18 lawmakers simultaneously announced they were leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) 17 crossing to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and one heading to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmakers, drawn from Kano, Anambra, Lagos, Edo, and Rivers states, took to the floor during plenary to read personal letters explaining their exits, with nearly all citing deep-rooted internal divisions within the ADC stretching from the national level down to the wards.
Among those departing is Yusuf Umar Datti (Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam, Kano), who said the party’s persistent instability had begun to undermine his ability to represent his constituents. Harris Okonkwo (Idemili North/South, Anambra) said his move followed broad consultations with stakeholders and constituents back home.
The full list of lawmakers defecting to the NDC includes: Sani Adamu (Minjibir/Ungogo, Kano), Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa, Lagos), Deputy Minority Whip George Ozodinobi (Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia, Anambra), Lilian Obiageli (Awka North/South, Anambra), OluwaSeyi Sowunmi (Ojo, Lagos), Peter Anekwe (Anambra East/West), Zakari Umar Mukhtari (Tarauni, Kano), George Olawande (Amuwo Odofin, Lagos), Murphy Omoruyi (Egor/Ikpoba-Okha, Edo), Umezuruike Manuchim (Port Harcourt I, Rivers), Emeka Idu (Onitsha North/South, Anambra), Jesse Onuakalusi (Oshodi-Isolo, Lagos), Ifeanyi Uzokwe (Nnewi North/South/Ekwusigo, Anambra), Afam Ogene (Ogbaru, Anambra), and Kamilu Ado (Wudil/Garko, Kano).
Breaking from the pack, Leke Abejide (Yagba Federal Constituency) chose a different path, announcing his defection from the ADC directly to the APC.
The mass exit drew pointed reactions on the floor, with several members raising alarms over the accelerating political realignments as 2027 general elections draw closer. Party instability, they noted, continues to be the primary engine of defections in the National Assembly.
Speaker of the House acknowledged receipt of all defection letters and formally wished the departing lawmakers well in their new parties, as is customary.
The departures are expected to significantly weaken the ADC’s footprint in the lower chamber and reshape the balance of power among the House’s minority parties.
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