ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- No fewer than 17 members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday dumped the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the fast-rising Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), in a move that signals deepening political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Their defection was formally announced during plenary, adding fresh momentum to the shifting alliances currently reshaping Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
In a related development, Leke Abejide also exited the ADC but chose a different path, defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC).
Lawmakers who switched to the NDC include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande and Munachim Umezuruike.
Others are Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, Murphy Omoruyi and Abdulhakeem Ado.
The wave of defections is widely seen as part of broader political recalibration as parties and key actors reposition ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The lawmakers’ move comes barely 48 hours after former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and his Kano counterpart, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, formally joined the NDC.
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Both men, who previously contested presidential elections under different platforms, were received into the party amid cheers from supporters following a closed-door meeting with party leaders in Abuja.
They were officially welcomed by former Bayelsa State governor and NDC leader, Seriake Dickson, who described the party as a growing political force.
Explaining his decision, Obi cited worsening internal crises, external interference and what he described as a toxic political climate within the ADC.
He said the environment had become increasingly hostile, with persistent disputes, legal battles and internal divisions distracting from national priorities.
According to him, systems meant to protect citizens were failing, while individuals committed to genuine service faced undue pressure.
Obi, however, clarified that his exit was not driven by personal grievances against party leaders, including David Mark and Atiku Abubakar, both of whom he said he still respects.
“Let me state clearly, my decision is not because any leader treated me badly,” he said, adding that recurring internal conflicts and external pressures forced his move.
On his part, Kwankwaso urged Nigerians to align with the NDC, announcing that his political structure had already commenced mass registration into the party.
Welcoming the new entrants, Dickson described the NDC as a party free of internal crises, factions and protracted litigations.
He said despite being relatively new, the party has grown rapidly and is already positioning itself as a major contender.
According to him, the NDC remains focused on building a stable platform capable of competing effectively on the national stage.