The African Democratic Congress (ADC) faced a massive legislative exodus on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, as 17 members of the House of Representatives officially defected to the newly formed National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The defections were announced in separate letters read during plenary by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, with the lawmakers citing “unresolved internal crises” and “lingering legal uncertainties” within the ADC as their primary reasons for leaving.
The “Kano-Anambra-Lagos” Sweep
The defection wave was particularly devastating in key political hubs, with entire blocks of representatives moving together:
| Region | Notable Defecting Lawmakers (to NDC) |
| Kano State | Yusuf Datti, Sani Adamu Wakili, Mukhtar Zakari, Abdulhakeem Ado |
| Anambra State | Afam Ogene, Uchenna Okonkwo, Lilian Orogbu, George Ozodinobi, Peter Aniekwe, Emeka Idu, Ifeanyi Uzokwe |
| Lagos State | Thaddeus Attah (Deputy Minority Whip), Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, George Oluwande, Jesse Onuakalusi |
| Edo & Rivers | Murphy Omoruyi (Edo), Munachim Umezuruike (Rivers) |
The APC Gain: In a separate blow to the ADC, Hon. Leke Abejide (Yagba Federal Constituency) also dumped the party on Tuesday, opting to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) instead of the NDC.
Why Now? The “Obi-Kwankwaso” Catalyst
This mass movement follows the bombshell announcement on Sunday, May 3, when former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso formally joined the NDC.
- The Deadline Factor: With the INEC deadline for party primaries fast approaching (set for May 30, 2026), lawmakers are racing to secure stable platforms.
- Leadership Crisis: Despite Senator David Mark being reinstated as National Chairman by the Supreme Court on May 1, ongoing lawsuits at the Federal High Court have left many aspirants fearing that the ADC could be deregistered or tied up in litigation during the 2027 election cycle.
The Party’s Response
National Chairman David Mark addressed the situation on Wednesday, May 6, acknowledging that the exit of high-profile members like Obi and Kwankwaso would have an impact. However, he remained defiant, stating:
“The exit of Obi and Kwankwaso has its impact, but that will spur us to work harder. We must close our ranks and avoid issues of factionalisation.”
