Mass Defection Rocks ADC as 17 Lawmakers Join NDC
By Matthew Eloyi
Seventeen members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday formally defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), in a move that signals deepening instability within the party.
The defections were announced during plenary through separate letters read by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session. In their letters, the lawmakers cited the ongoing leadership crisis in the ADC as the primary reason for their decision.
The development follows a similar high-profile shift earlier in the week, when Mr Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, and former Kano State Governor, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, defected from ADC to the NDC last Sunday, also citing internal crisis within the party.
Among the lawmakers who moved to the NDC are Rep. Yusuf Datti, Rep. Sani Wakil, Rep. Mukthar Zakari, and Rep. Abdulhakeem Ado, all representing constituencies in Kano State.
From Anambra State, the defectors include Rep. Uchenna Okonkwo, Rep. George Ozodinobi, Rep. Obiageli Orogbu, Rep. Peter Aniekwe, Rep. Emeka Idu, Rep. Peter Uzokwe, and Rep. Afam Ogene.
Also joining the NDC are Rep. Thaddeus Achef, Rep. Oluwaseun Sowumi, Rep. George Oluwande, and Rep. Jessy-Okey Onuakalusi from Lagos State.
Other members on the list are Rep. Murphy Omoruyi from Edo State and Rep. Munachin Alozie from Abia State.
In a related development, Rep. Leke Abejide from Kogi State defected from the ADC to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
While ruling on the matter, the Deputy Speaker wished the defecting lawmakers well in their future political endeavours.
