By Adesakin Adefemi
Seventeen members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday formally defected from the African Democratic Congress to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, delivering a major blow to the ADC’s standing in the National Assembly and deepening the party’s crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu read the defection notices during the plenary, making the mass exit official and immediately altering the party composition on the floor of the Green Chamber. The announcement was met with murmurs across the chamber as lawmakers processed the scale of the move.
The defections follow a turbulent week for the ADC. Former Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and former Anambra governor Peter Obi both quit the party on Sunday for the NDC, citing “wide-ranging consultations” and growing uncertainties about the ADC’s direction. Their departure appears to have triggered a domino effect among elected officials loyal to them.
Although the names and constituencies of the 17 defecting lawmakers were not read out in full during plenary, House officials indicated that the letters had been submitted in line with Order 17 of the House Standing Rules. The records are expected to be published by the Clerk to the House before the end of the week.
The NDC has intensified its recruitment of opposition figures in recent weeks, presenting itself as a fresh vehicle for 2027. Party insiders say the entrance of Obi and Kwankwaso has accelerated negotiations with serving lawmakers, governors’ aides, and state assembly members across the North and South East.
Tuesday’s plenary proceeded without debate on the defections. Under legislative procedure, members are required to notify the presiding officer of any change in party affiliation and state the reason. Kalu simply read the letters and directed that they be noted in the votes and proceedings.
The ADC had gained momentum earlier this year after a wave of high-profile entries, positioning itself as a third force. The sudden loss of 17 federal lawmakers now threatens to unravel that progress and raises questions about the party’s internal cohesion and national spread.
Party sources told TheCable that an emergency meeting of the ADC National Working Committee has been scheduled for Wednesday in Abuja to review the situation. The party’s National Chairman had yet to issue a formal statement as of press time, but senior officials described the defections as “a coordinated political migration.”
Political analysts say the exit of nearly two dozen reps at once could weaken the ADC’s bargaining power in legislative committees and coalition talks. With 2027 realignments accelerating, the NDC appears to be consolidating its base by absorbing entire blocs from rival platforms.
The remaining ADC caucus in the House is expected to meet later this week to re-strategize. Meanwhile, the NDC is planning a national unveiling of its new members, where the 17 lawmakers are likely to be presented alongside other recent defectors. More details on their constituencies and committee roles are expected once the House releases the official records.
