17 Reps Dump ADC for NDC as Party Crisis Deepens; One Joins APC

The Nigerian political landscape is experiencing a significant shake-up as a wave of defections hits the House of Representatives. Seventeen lawmakers have abandoned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), signaling a major realignment within the opposition parties. This mass exodus, announced during plenary, underscores the deepening crisis within the ADC and its struggle to maintain unity.

Adding to the turmoil, a two-term lawmaker, Leke Abejide, has switched allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Abejide cited protracted internal crises, leadership uncertainty, and alleged political frustrations within the ADC as reasons for his departure. His move highlights the internal fractures that have plagued the ADC, a party that had garnered momentum with the backing of prominent figures like Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The ADC's internal conflicts are multifaceted, involving disputes over party leadership, parallel factions vying for control, and a series of legal challenges. The electoral commission's reluctance to fully recognize one faction due to inconsistencies has further exacerbated the uncertainty surrounding the party's leadership and its ability to function effectively. This internal strife raises questions about the ADC's viability as a formidable opposition force in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections, a concern that resonates deeply within Nigeria's dynamic political environment.