ABUJA — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has recorded a significant political boost, gaining no fewer than 20 defectors and emerging as a rising force in the National Assembly.
The party has now surpassed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the House of Representatives and is closing in on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in terms of legislative presence. Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to maintain a dominant lead over all opposition parties.
In the Senate, notable shifts were recorded as former Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), left the ADC for the Labour Party (LP). Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) defected from the ADC to the NDC, while Senate Minority Whip, Senator Rufai Hanga (Kano Central), moved from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the NDC.
With the addition of Umeh and Hanga, the number of NDC senators has increased from one to three, joining the party’s founder, Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West), who earlier aligned with the party on March 31.
The current composition of the 109-member Senate now stands at APC-88, ADC-8, PDP-4, NDC-3, APGA-1, Accord-1, with four seats vacant. The vacant seats represent Enugu North, Nasarawa North, Rivers South-East, and Ondo South, following three deaths and one resignation due to an ambassadorial appointment.
In the House of Representatives, at least 18 lawmakers formally announced their defection from the ADC during plenary. Of these, 17 joined the NDC, while one defected to the APC, citing unresolved internal crises within their former party.
The latest changes bring the House composition to APC-260, PDP-38, LP-21, NDC-17, NNPP-14, APGA-5, and others-4. These figures remain subject to further adjustments ahead of the May 10 deadline for political parties to submit updated membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The defecting lawmakers, drawn from Kano, Anambra, Lagos, Edo, and Rivers states, attributed their decisions to persistent leadership disputes and internal instability within the ADC, which they said hindered effective representation.
Among those who moved to the NDC are Yusuf Umar Datti (Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam, Kano), Sani Adamu (Minjibir/Ungogo, Kano), Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa, Lagos), George Ozodinobi (Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia, Anambra), Lilian Obiageli (Awka North/Awka South, Anambra), and Oluwaseyi Sowunmi (Ojo, Lagos), among others.
Also included are Peter Anekwe (Anambra East/West), Zakari Umar Mukhtari (Tarauni, Kano), George Olawande (Amuwo Odofin, Lagos), Murphy Osaro Omoruyi (Egor/Ikpoba-Okha, Edo), Umezuruike Munachim (Port Harcourt I, Rivers), Emeka Idu (Onitsha North/South, Anambra), Jesse Onuakalusi (Oshodi-Isolo, Lagos), Ifeanyi Uzokwe (Nnewi North/South/Ekwusigo, Anambra), Afam Ogene (Ogbaru, Anambra), and Kamilu Ado (Wudil/Garko, Kano).
In a separate development, Leke Abejide, representing Yagba Federal Constituency, also announced his defection from the ADC to the APC.
Explaining their decisions, the defecting senators cited internal crises and prolonged legal disputes within their former parties. Abaribe pointed to persistent leadership challenges in the ADC, while Umeh said his move followed extensive consultations with constituents and stakeholders. Hanga, on his part, cited factional disputes and instability within the NNPP, stating that the NDC aligns more closely with his vision for governance and representation.
During plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed frustration over the frequent defections, remarking that the ADC appears to be losing relevance. He suggested that future defections be announced collectively to reduce repeated announcements on the Senate floor.
Lawmakers have also raised concerns over the growing trend of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that party instability continues to drive defections across the political landscape.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over plenary, formally acknowledged the defections and extended goodwill to the lawmakers in line with parliamentary tradition.
Meanwhile, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) has distanced itself from comments made by its National Secretary, Dr. Umar Ardo, who had questioned the legitimacy of the NDC’s registration by INEC. The party clarified that Ardo’s remarks were personal and do not reflect its official position.
In a statement, ADA described the NDC as a legitimate political platform and emphasized the need for unity among opposition parties. It warned against internal divisions, stressing that the focus should remain on strengthening democratic alternatives ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party also reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing its registration through lawful means while maintaining respect for existing political platforms, noting that a fragmented opposition could weaken democratic competition in the country.
NDC Gains Momentum in National Assembly as Defections Shake ADC, Alter Political Balance
