17 Lawmakers Leave African Democratic Congress for National Democratic Congress Amid Internal Crisis

Story: written by springnewsng May 5,2026
Seventeen members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives have defected from the African Democratic Congress to the National Democratic Congress, blaming persistent internal conflicts within their former party.
The defections were formally announced during plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, with the lawmakers citing unresolved disputes from the national leadership down to grassroots levels as the main reason for their exit.
In separate letters, the legislators said the ongoing crisis had hindered their ability to function effectively and fulfil their legislative responsibilities.
Among those who switched parties are Yusuf Umar Datti, Sani Adamu, Zakari Umar Mukhtari, and Kamilu Ado from Kano State. Lawmakers from the South-East and Lagos also featured prominently in the mass defection.
In a related move, Leke Abejide left the ADC but joined the ruling All Progressives Congress instead.
The wave of defections marks one of the largest shifts in party allegiance in the current Assembly and raises concerns about the stability and future of the ADC as a political platform.