The defections were announced on the floor of the Green Chamber during plenary by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.
No fewer than 17 members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday dumped the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), citing unresolved internal crises within the party.
The defections were announced on the floor of the Green Chamber during plenary by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.
The lawmakers said lingering disputes and instability in the ADC informed their decision to switch allegiance.
Those who defected include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande and Munachim Umezuruike.
Others are Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, Murphy Omroruyi and Abdulhakeem Ado.
The development comes amid growing political realignments linked to tensions and structural disagreements within the ADC, which stakeholders say have weakened party cohesion.
Meanwhile, former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and ex-Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, recently aligned with the NDC as part of moves to avoid internal conflicts and strengthen a more stable platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obi, in a statement, said his decision followed “deep reflection” on the state of the nation and the need to contribute more effectively to national development.
He stressed that his exit was not driven by personal ambition or dissatisfaction.
He added that the situation in the country requires focused leadership and fewer internal distractions within political parties.
Kwankwaso and Obi were also reported to have urged their supporters to prioritise national development over litigation and internal disputes, while calling for unity within the new political arrangement.
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