The African Democratic Congress faces a severe legislative hit as 17 House of Representatives members defect to the National Democratic Congress and one joins the APC.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suffered a major legislative depletion after 18 of its members in the House of Representatives formally defected from the party during Tuesday’s plenary session. Out of the defecting lawmakers, 17 moved to the newly rising National Democratic Congress (NDC), while one transitioned into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The mass exit follows separate official letters read on the floor of the House by the Deputy Speaker, Representative Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary. The lawmakers universally cited the persistent and unresolved leadership crisis within the ADC as the primary catalyst for their departure.
This parliamentary wave of defections comes on the heels of high-profile political exits from the same party. Just two days prior, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, alongside the former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, both left the ADC to join the NDC, signaling a massive cross-party realignment ahead of future elections.
The 17 lawmakers who chose the NDC path span multiple states across the federation, indicating a synchronized movement rather than isolated decisions.
The breakdown of the lawmakers moving to the NDC includes a strong contingent from Kano State, consisting of Representatives Yusuf Datti, Sani Wakil, Mukthar Zakari, and Abdulhakeem Ado. The movement also significantly altered the political landscape of Anambra State, drawing in Representatives Uchenna Okonkwo, George Ozodinobi, Obiageli Orogbu, Peter Aniekwe, Emeka Idu, Peter Uzokwe, and Afam Ogene. From Lagos State, Representatives Thaddeus Achef, Oluwaseun Sowumi, George Oluwande, and Jessy-Okey Onuakalusi also made the switch, alongside Representative Murphy Omoruyi from Edo State and Representative Munachin Alozie from Abia State.
Conversely, Representative Leke Abejide, who represents the Yagba Federal Constituency of Kogi State and served as a prominent national figure in the ADC, directed his alignment toward the ruling APC.
Abejide’s separate move ensures that the ruling party expands its legislative majority while the major block moves to build a formidable opposition alliance under the NDC banner.
Following the formal reading of the defection letters, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu accepted the motions and officially wished all 18 lawmakers success in their new political journeys and party frameworks.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
