The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing a major setback in the National Assembly following the exit of prominent opposition figures Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, a development that has triggered a wave of defections to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The NDC recorded a significant boost after 17 members of the House of Representatives and one senator joined the party, strengthening its growing influence ahead of the 2027 general elections. The defections came just days after Obi and Kwankwaso officially dumped the ADC for the NDC, further reshaping Nigeria’s opposition political landscape.
Lawmakers from states including Kano, Anambra, Lagos, Edo, Rivers, and Kogi cited unresolved leadership disputes and internal instability within the ADC as reasons for leaving the party. During plenary, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu stated that the defecting lawmakers complained about crises affecting the party from the ward level to the national leadership.
Among those who joined the NDC are Yusuf Datti, Sani Adamu, Zakari Mukhtari, Kamilu Ado, Harris Okonkwo, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Peter Anekwe, Emeka Idu, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, Thaddeus Attah, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, George Olawande, Jese Onuakalusi, Murphy Omoruyi, and Umezuruike Manuchim. Meanwhile, Kogi lawmaker Leke Abejide moved from the ADC to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Political observers believe the defections reflect the growing influence of Obi and Kwankwaso, whose strong political structures in the South-East and North-West continue to attract loyal supporters and lawmakers.
The crisis within the ADC has reportedly been building for months due to leadership disagreements, legal disputes, and failed coalition talks involving Obi, Kwankwaso, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Their eventual departure to the NDC appears to have accelerated the collapse of confidence within the party.
The ADC’s representation in the House of Representatives has now reportedly dropped sharply, leaving the party struggling to maintain relevance as a major opposition force. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also continued to lose members, raising concerns over the future strength of Nigeria’s traditional opposition parties ahead of 2027.
During Tuesday’s Senate plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio openly mocked the ADC, declaring the party “dead” while reacting to the increasing number of defections. He also joked about the frequency of party switches among lawmakers, suggesting that future defections should be announced collectively instead of individually.
Senator Victor Umeh also confirmed his resignation from the ADC and his movement to the NDC, blaming persistent leadership divisions and unresolved legal battles within the party. According to him, the instability made it difficult to remain in the ADC.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Kwankwasiyya movement in Kano have also begun leaving the ADC, with several loyalists already joining the NDC. Efforts to resolve leadership tensions in Kano reportedly led to a meeting between Kwankwaso and state party officials, after which both sides announced that their disagreements had been settled.
In Anambra State, several aspirants and party members loyal to Peter Obi are also said to be leaving the ADC for either the NDC or the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing uncertainty surrounding the party’s future.
Despite the growing defections, ADC officials insist the party remains strong, maintaining that its survival does not depend on individual politicians but on its internal structures and core principles.
