Seventeen members of the House of Representatives have defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in a move that underscores growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The deputy speaker, Benjamin Kalu, announced the defections during plenary on Tuesday, formally reading out the notices submitted by the lawmakers.
The defecting legislators represent constituencies across several states. They include Yusuf Datti (Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam, Kano), Harris Okonkwo (Idemili North/Idemili South, Anambra), Sani Adamu (Minjibir/Ungogo, Kano), Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa, Lagos), and George Ozodinobi, the deputy minority whip (Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia, Anambra).
Others are Lilian Obiageli (Awka North/Awka South, Anambra), Oluwaseyi Sowunmi (Ojo, Lagos), Peter Anekwe (Anambra East and West), Zakari Mukhtari (Tarauni, Kano), George Olawande (Amuwo Odofin, Lagos), Murphy Omoruyi (Egor/Ikpoba Okha, Edo), Umezuruike Manuchim (Port Harcourt I, Rivers), Emeka Idu (Onitsha North/South, Anambra), Jese Onuakalusi (Oshodi-Isolo, Lagos), Ifeanyi Uzokwe (Nnewi North/South/Ekwusigo, Anambra), Afam Ogene (Ogbaru, Anambra), and Kamilu Ado (Wudil/Garko, Kano).
In a related development, Leke Abejide, who represents Yagba federal constituency in Kogi State, also left the ADC but joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmakers cited internal leadership disputes and unresolved legal crises within their former parties as the primary reasons for their defection.
The latest moves add to a growing wave of defections in the green chamber this year, signaling intensified political maneuvering ahead of the next general elections.
Just days earlier, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and ex-Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso also defected from the ADC to the NDC, urging their supporters to follow suit.
