17 House of Reps Members Defect to NDC as Political Realignments Intensify Ahead of 2027 Elections

Defections reshape House composition as opposition bloc gains momentum

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By Baron Eloagu | Abuja, Nigeria | May 5, 2026

At least 17 members of the House of Representatives have defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The defections were formally announced on the floor of the House during plenary on Tuesday.

The lawmakers’ move adds to a growing wave of political realignments across party lines, as opposition figures reposition ahead of the next general election cycle.

In a separate announcement, lawmaker Leke Abejide also defected from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress (APC), further deepening the fragmentation within the party.

List of Defecting Lawmakers

The lawmakers who moved to the NDC include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande, Munachim Umezuruike, Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, Murphy Omoruyi, and Abdulhakeem Ado.

Their defection brings renewed attention to internal instability within the ADC and the shifting alliances within the opposition space.

Obi, Kwankwaso Wave Boosts NDC

The defections come just two days after former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Musa Kwankwaso officially joined the NDC from the ADC.

Both political leaders received their membership cards during a high-profile event in Abuja, shortly after a closed-door meeting with party leaders.

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They were welcomed into the party by former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, a national leader of the NDC.

Reasons for Political Exit

Obi cited deepening internal divisions, legal disputes, and what he described as increasing political hostility within the ADC as key reasons for his departure.

Kwankwaso and Obi defected to the NDC from the ADC. X/@KwankwasoRM

He stressed that his decision was not driven by personal grievances but by concerns over instability and external interference in party affairs.

Kwankwaso, on his part, urged supporters nationwide to register with the NDC, stating that mobilisation efforts had already commenced.

NDC Positions Itself as Stable Platform

Welcoming the defectors, Seriake Dickson described the NDC as a party without factions or litigation, positioning it as a fast-growing political platform.

He said the party was prepared to “box above its weight” and play a central role in shaping Nigeria’s political future.

The latest wave of defections underscores increasing volatility within Nigeria’s opposition politics, as parties realign ahead of the 2027 general elections. With major political figures and lawmakers shifting allegiance, the NDC appears to be emerging as a key beneficiary of the ongoing political restructuring.