Wave of defections hits National Assembly as Umeh, 17 Reps dump ADC for NDC
The National Assembly witnessed a fresh wave of political defections on Tuesday, as Senator Victor Umeh and 17 members of the House of Representatives formally exited the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing internal crises within their former party.
Umeh, who represents Anambra Central, announced his decision in a letter read on the Senate floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. He said his defection followed wide consultations with stakeholders, pointing to persistent leadership disputes and divisions within the ADC as key reasons for his move. He also reaffirmed his commitment to national development under the NDC platform.
In the House of Representatives, no fewer than 17 lawmakers from Kano, Anambra, Lagos, Edo, and Rivers states also declared their exit from the ADC during plenary. Through separate letters, they cited unresolved crises from the national level down to ward structures as factors that influenced their decisions.
Among the defectors is Yusuf Umar Datti, representing Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam Federal Constituency of Kano State, who noted that ongoing instability within the ADC had affected effective representation. Similarly, Harris Okonkwo of Idemili North/Idemili South Federal Constituency said his move followed extensive consultations with constituents and political stakeholders.
Other lawmakers who joined the NDC include Sani Adamu; Thaddeus Attah; Deputy Minority Whip George Ozodinobi; Lilian Obiageli; OluwaSeyi Sowunmi; Peter Anekwe; Zakari Umar Mukhtari; George Olawande; Murphy Osaro Omoruyi; Umezuruike Manuchim; Emeka Idu; Jesse Onuakalusi; Ifeanyi Uzokwe; Afam Ogene; and Kamilu Ado.
In a related development, Leke Abejide, representing Yagba Federal Constituency, also defected from the ADC but joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The developments have raised concerns among lawmakers over the growing trend of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with many attributing the wave of defections to persistent instability within political parties.
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