5.5.2026
Seventeen members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday dumped the African Democratic Congress for the National Democratic Congress.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, announced the defection of the lawmakers in separate letters, during plenary.
They cited unresolved internal crises at all levels in the ADC for their decisions.
The defectors are Yusuf Umar Datti, representing Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam Federal Constituency of Kano State, Harris Okonkwo, representing Idemili North/Idemili South Federal Constituency of Anambra State, Sani Adamu representing Minjibir/Ungogo Federal Constituency of Kano State, Thaddeus Attah representing Eti-Osa, of Lagos State, Deputy Minority Whip, George Ozodinobi, representing Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia, Anambra State Federal Constituency and Lilian Obiageli representing Awka North/Awka South, federal constituency of Anambra State, and Oluwaseyi Sowunmi representing Ojo Federal Constituency, Lagos State.
Other defectors include: Peter Anekwe of Anambra East/West, Zakari Umar Mukhtari of Tarauni, Kano; George Olawande of Amuwo Odofin, Lagos; Murphy Osaro Omoruyi of Egor/Ikpoba-Okha, Edo; Umezuruike Manuchim of Port Harcourt I, Rivers, Emeka Idu of Onitsha North/South, Anambra; Jesse Onuakalusi of Oshodi-Isolo, Lagos; Ifeanyi Uzokwe of Nnewi North/South/Ekwusigo, Anambra; Afam Ogene of Ogbaru, Anambra; and Kamilu Ado of Wudil/Garko, Kano.
Their defections followed the defection of a former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, and the Nigerian National Democratic Party, Musa Kwankwaso, from the ADC to the NDC.
However, the speaker also announced the defection of Leke Abejide, representing Yagba Federal Constituency, from the ADC to the All-Progressives Congress (APC). Channels TV