In a significant political development at the National Assembly, seventeen members of the House of Representatives formally defected from the African Democratic Congress to the Nigeria Democratic Congress. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu announced the defections during Tuesday’s plenary session, reading out separate letters submitted by the lawmakers.

The mass movement reflects deepening internal challenges within the African Democratic Congress. The defecting lawmakers cited unresolved crises at national, state, and ward levels as the primary reason for their decision.

This shift comes shortly after prominent opposition figures, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, also moved to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, signaling a broader realignment in the opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. One additional lawmaker, Leke Abejide, defected from the same party to the All Progressives Congress during the same session.

The defectors represent constituencies across several states, including Anambra, Kano, Lagos, Edo, and Rivers. Notable names among them include Yusuf Datti, Harris Okonkwo, Sani Adamu, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Obiageli Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Anekwe, Zakari Mukhtari, George Olawande, Murphy Omoruyi, Umezuruike Manuchim, Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, and Kamilu Ado.

Their exit marks one of the largest single bloc defections in the current assembly and is expected to strengthen the emerging Nigeria Democratic Congress while further weakening the African Democratic Congress.

Political analysts view this development as part of ongoing opposition restructuring. The move highlights the fluid nature of party loyalty in Nigeria’s democracy and raises questions about the stability of coalition efforts aimed at challenging the ruling party in future elections.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress appears to be gaining momentum as a preferred platform for several former opposition members seeking a more cohesive alternative.