Seventeen members of the House of Representatives have switched allegiance from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The deputy speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu, announced the defections during Tuesday’s plenary session.
The lawmakers, representing 17 constituencies nationwide, include Yusuf Datti (Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam, Kano), Harris Okonkwo (Idemili North/Idemili South, Anambra), Sani Adamu (Minjibir/Ungogo, Kano), Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa, Lagos), George Ozodinobi, deputy minority whip (Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia, Anambra), Lilian Obiageli (Awka North/Awka South, Anambra), and Oluwaseyi Sowunmi (Ojo, Lagos).
Others are Peter Anekwe (Anambra East and West, Anambra), Zakari Mukhtari (Tarauni, Kano), George Olawande (Amuwo Odofin, Lagos), Murphy Omoruyi (Egor/Ikpoba Okha, Edo), Umezuruike Manuchim (Port Harcourt I, Rivers), Emeka Idu (Onitsha North/South, Anambra), Jese Onuakalusi (Oshodi-Isolo, Lagos), Ifeanyi Uzokwe (Nnewi North/South/Ekwusigo, Anambra), Afam Ogene (Ogbaru, Anambra), and Kamilu Ado (Wudil/Garko, Kano).
In a related development, Leke Abejide, who represents Yagba federal constituency in Kogi State, also left the ADC for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmakers cited internal leadership disputes and legal challenges within their former parties as reasons for their defection.
The lower chamber has witnessed a surge in defections in recent months as political alignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Earlier, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso also moved from the ADC to the NDC, urging their supporters to follow suit.