17 reps dump ADC for NDC over persisting crisis

Seriake Dickson, a senator, and national leader of NDC, unveils the party's digital membership registration portal with National Chairman Senator Moses Cleopas, left, and NDC National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu on the right

Seventeen members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives have defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), citing a deepening internal crisis within their former party from the national leadership down to the ward level.

The notifications of their defections were formally announced on Tuesday during plenary, presided over by Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker

The lawmakers, in separate letters, pointed to what they described as unresolved and protracted internal disputes within the ADC, arguing that the crisis had made it difficult to function effectively as members of the party or to deliver on their legislative mandates.

Among those who switched allegiance is Yusuf Umar Datti, who represents Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam federal constituency of Kano State. Others include Sani Adamu (Minjibir/Ungogo, Kano), Zakari Umar Mukhtari (Tarauni, Kano), and Kamilu Ado (Wudil/Garko, Kano).

Lawmakers from the south-east also featured prominently in the wave of defections. They include Harris Okonkwo (Idemili North/Idemili South), George Ozodinobi, the deputy minority whip (Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia), Lilian Obiageli (Awka North/Awka South), Peter Anekwe (Anambra East/West), Emeka Idu (Onitsha North/South), Ifeanyi Uzokwe (Nnewi North/South/Ekwusigo) and Afam Ogene (Ogbaru).

From Lagos State, Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa), OluwaSeyi Sowunmi (Ojo), George Olawande (Amuwo-Odofin) and Jese Onuakalusi (Oshodi-Isolo) also joined the NDC, while Murphy Osaro Omoruyi (Egor/Ikpoba-Okha, Edo) and Umezuruike Manuchim (Port Harcourt I, Rivers) completed the list.

In a related development, Leke Abejide, who represents the Yagba federal constituency, also defected from the ADC but to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The development marks one of the most significant blocs of defections in the current legislative session and raises fresh questions about the cohesion and future viability of the ADC as a national political platform.