Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has described the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as effectively “dead,” following a fresh wave of defections by lawmakers.
Akpabio made the remark on Tuesday during plenary while formally announcing the resignation of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe from the ADC.
The Senate President read Abaribe’s letter on the chamber floor, confirming his departure from the party.
Reacting to the growing list of defections, Akpabio suggested that the Senate adopt a more efficient method for handling such announcements.
“All those defecting from ADC should just compile everything in one paper so that we don’t keep announcing. I think ADC is dead,” he said.
He also advised lawmakers to streamline the process regardless of the parties involved.
“If you are defecting from Labour, write the names of all of you. If you are going from ADC, write all of you.
”And if you are entering ADC, you do the same. It’s neater that way than reading one name at a time,” Akpabio added.
Abaribe’s exit marks yet another shift in his political alignment, as he moves to the Labour Party only weeks after previously joining the ADC.
In his resignation letter, Abaribe cited internal uncertainties within the party as the reason for his decision.
“Given the uncertainties concerning the ADC party with regard to the multiple lawsuits and court judgements, I have today resigned from the ADC and joined the Labour Party, effective immediately,” he stated.
He also emphasised that his departure was not driven by personal disagreements within the party.
“This has nothing to do with the leadership and members whom I have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy close and solid relationships with,” he said.
The Senate session also recorded additional defections. Senator Victor Umeh officially announced his move from the ADC to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Similarly, Senator Rufai Hanga, who serves as Deputy Minority Whip, disclosed his defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the NDC.
At the House of Representatives, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas also announced a series of defections involving multiple lawmakers.
Among those who left the ADC for the NDC were Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande, and Munachim Umezuruike.
Others who switched allegiance include Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, and Abdulhakeem Ado.
In a separate move, Honourable Leke Abejide, representing Yagba Federal Constituency in Kogi State, defected from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The series of defections reflected intensifying political realignments as parties and politicians reposition themselves ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
