- NDC Gains 20 Defectors, Emerges Fourth Force In Assembly
- Mass defections from ADC driven by internal crises and leadership disputes
- Lawmakers warn political instability may shape 2027 election alignments
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has recorded a major political boost following a wave of defections that saw no fewer than 20 lawmakers join its ranks, positioning the party as a growing force in the National Assembly.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the development has pushed the NDC ahead of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the House of Representatives, while it continues to close the gap with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The All Progressives Congress (APC) still maintains a wide lead across both chambers.
In the Senate, Enyinnaya Abaribe defected from ADC to the Labour Party, citing persistent leadership and legal crises within the party. Victor Umeh moved from ADC to NDC, while Rufai Hanga joined NDC from the New
Nigeria Peoples Party. Their movements increased NDC’s Senate strength to three members, alongside Seriake Dickson.
In the House of Representatives, at least 18 lawmakers exited the ADC, with 17 joining the NDC and one defecting to the APC. The lawmakers cited unresolved internal crises within the ADC, spanning national to grassroots levels, as the primary reason for their decisions.
Among those who defected are lawmakers from Kano, Anambra, Lagos, Edo, and Rivers states, including Yusuf Umar Datti and Harris Okonkwo, who said their decisions followed consultations with constituents and political stakeholders.
The latest shifts have altered the composition of the House, with APC holding 260 seats, PDP 38, Labour Party 21, NDC 17, and others trailing behind. Observers say the numbers may continue to change ahead of the deadline for parties to submit membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
