No fewer than 17 members of the House of Representatives Nigeria have defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), intensifying political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defections were formally announced during plenary, signalling a growing shift within the opposition bloc.
Among those who moved to the NDC are Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, and Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, alongside several other lawmakers.
In a related development, Leke Abejide also defected from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The latest wave of defections comes just days after former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, and ex-Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, officially joined the NDC.
Both leaders had cited internal crises, legal battles, and a worsening political environment within the ADC as reasons for their exit.
Obi described the political space as increasingly hostile, marked by “intimidation, insecurity, and persistent scrutiny,” adding that such conditions were hindering effective participation in the democratic process.
Despite leaving the party, he clarified that his decision was not driven by personal grievances with key figures like David Mark or Atiku Abubakar.
Meanwhile, welcoming the new entrants, former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, described the NDC as a fast-growing political platform without internal crises or litigation.
He said the party was prepared to “box above its weight” despite being relatively new, expressing confidence in its capacity to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
The wave of defections underscores mounting political tensions and shifting alliances as parties reposition ahead of the next general elections.
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