The African Democratic Party, ADC, has suffered a major setback in the House of Representatives as 17 of its members defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, while one lawmaker moved to the All Progressives Congress, APC, in a wave of political realignments announced at plenary.
The development was formally disclosed on the floor of the House by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who read the lawmakers’ defection letters before members.
Those who defected from ADC to NDC include Yusuf Umar Datti representing Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam Federal Constituency of Kano State, Harris Okonkwo of Idemili North/Idemili South in Anambra State, Sani Adamu of Minjibir/Ungogo in Kano, and Thaddeus Attah of Eti-Osa Federal Constituency in Lagos State.
Others are George Ozodinobi, Deputy Minority Whip, representing Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia in Anambra State; Lilian Obiageli of Awka North/Awka South, OluwaSeyi Sowunmi of Ojo Federal Constituency in Lagos, Peter Anekwe of Anambra East and West, Zakari Umar Mukhtari of Tarauni in Kano, and George Olawande of Amuwo Odofin in Lagos.
Also listed are Murphy Osaro Omoruyi of Egor/Ikpoba-Okha in Edo State, Umezuruike Manuchim of Port Harcourt I in Rivers State, Emeka Idu of Onitsha North/South in Anambra, Jese Onuakalusi of Oshodi-Isolo in Lagos, Ifeanyi Uzokwe of Nnewi North/South/Ekwusigo in Anambra, Afam Ogene of Ogbaru in Anambra, and Kamilu Ado of Wudil/Garko in Kano State.
Meanwhile, Leke Abejide of Yagba Federal Constituency moved from the ADC to the APC.
The defecting lawmakers attributed their decisions to internal party crises, citing unresolved disputes from the national to ward levels as the basis for their political realignment
