A major political shake-up unfolded on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, as no fewer than 17 members of the House of Representatives formally defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).
The defections were officially announced on the floor of the House during plenary, sending ripples through Nigeria’s lower chamber.
In a separate development during the same session, Leke Abejide also announced his departure from the ADC, switching allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Among the lawmakers who crossed over to the NDC are Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande, Munachim Umezuruike, Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, and Abdulhakeem Ado.
The wave of defections is seen as part of an intensifying political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties jostling for influence and numerical strength.
This latest movement comes just days after former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor, Musa Kwankwaso, officially joined the NDC from the ADC, in a high-profile political switch that has continued to reshape the opposition landscape.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, and Kwankwaso were formally issued their NDC membership cards on Sunday, May 3, 2026, during a well-attended event in Abuja following a closed-door meeting with party leaders.
They were welcomed into the Party by Senator Seriake Dickson, a former Bayelsa State Governor and prominent NDC leader.
Obi later explained that his decision to leave the ADC was driven by deepening internal crises, political interference, and rising tensions within the party structure. He stressed that his departure was not personal, insisting he still holds respect for key political figures including former Senate President, David Mark and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.
Kwankwaso, on his part, urged Nigerians to register with the NDC, announcing that membership registration had already commenced.
Welcoming the new entrants, Senator Dickson described the NDC as a party free of legal disputes and internal factional battles, while also positioning it as one of the fastest-growing political platforms in the country.
He added that despite its relative youth, the Party was ready to compete at the highest level in Nigerian politics.
The mass defections have further heightened political tension across the country, with analysts saying the developments signal an early and aggressive build-up to the 2027 elections.
