Seventeen members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives have officially defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). The announcement, made during Tuesday’s plenary session, sent ripples through the chamber and quickly became the day’s most talked‑about development.
The defectors represent a wide spread of constituencies across Kano, Lagos, Anambra, Rivers, and Edo states. Among them are Yusuf Datti (Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam, Kano), Harris Okonkwo (Idemili North/Idemili South, Anambra), Sani Adamu (Minjibir/Ungogo, Kano), Thaddeus Attah (Eti‑Osa, Lagos), George Ozodinobi (Deputy Minority Whip, Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia, Anambra), Lilian Obiageli Orogbu (Awka North/Awka South, Anambra), Oluwaseyi Sowunmi (Ojo, Lagos), Peter Anekwe (Anambra East/West, Anambra), Zakari Mukhtari (Tarauni, Kano), George Olawande (Amuwo Odofin, Lagos), Murphy Omroruyi (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).
Adding to the drama, Hon. Leke Abejide of Yagba Federal Constituency in Kogi State also left the ADC but chose to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His decision underscored the fluidity of party loyalty in Nigeria’s political scene, where defections often reshape alliances overnight.
Inside the chamber, reactions were mixed. Some lawmakers greeted the defectors with applause and handshakes, while others expressed visible disapproval. The atmosphere reflected both excitement and skepticism, a reminder that political realignments in Nigeria rarely pass without controversy.
Outside the National Assembly, the news spread quickly, sparking lively debates among citizens and political observers. Supporters of the NDC hailed the defections as a sign of growing strength, while critics dismissed them as opportunistic moves. The divided response highlighted the tension between optimism for change and cynicism about political consistency.
For the defectors, the shift was framed as aligning more closely with their constituents’ interests. Whether that narrative holds true will depend on their performance under the NDC banner. With the ADC weakened and the NDC strengthened, the balance of power may not change immediately, but the symbolism is powerful—another reminder that Nigeria’s political story is always evolving.
