Seventeen members of the House of Representatives switched from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Tuesday, amid a deepening crisis within the ADC. The defections were announced by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu during plenary. One lawmaker, Leke Abejide, representing Yagba Federal Constituency in Kogi State, moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal crises, legal disputes, and leadership uncertainty in the ADC. He had disclosed his decision last Friday, but the formal notice reached the House on Tuesday.
The 17 lawmakers who joined the NDC include Datti Umar, Harris Okonkwo, Sani Wakili, Attah Thaddeaus, George Ozodinobi, Orogbu Obiageli, Seyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Olawande, Omoruyi Murphy, Manuchim Umezuruike, Emeka Idu, Jessie Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, and Abdulhakeem Ado. Most had joined the ADC earlier in the year following the high-profile entries of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso in December 2025 and March 2026, respectively.
The ADC has been mired in leadership disputes, with rival factions claiming control. INEC declined to recognise one faction due to inconsistencies in leadership records. The crisis escalated into court battles, with conflicting rulings creating further confusion. A recent Supreme Court decision recognised David Mark's faction as legitimate, but directed lower courts to continue hearing related cases.
Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso exited the party on Sunday, citing irreconcilable differences. The ADC is led by Senator Seriake Dickson. Kalu also announced the vacancy of the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa seat in Kano following the death of Danjuma Hassan in April.
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