- Nine Nigerian senators announce defection to ADC
- Lawmakers cite internal crises and leadership instability in former parties
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio reads defection letters during plenary
- Senators from PDP, Labour Party, and APGA among those who switched
Nine serving senators from different political parties have announced their defection to the African Democratic Congress, citing internal crises and leadership instability in their former political platforms.
The letters of defection were read on the floor of the Senate by Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
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Among those who defected is Aminu Tambuwal, the senator representing Sokoto South, who left the Peoples Democratic Party to join the ADC.
Similarly, Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, defected from the All Progressives Grand Alliance to the ADC.
Also joining the ADC is Victor Umeh, senator representing Anambra Central, who dumped the Labour Party over what he described as persistent leadership crises within the party.
In his defection letter, Umeh said his decision followed prolonged internal conflicts within the Labour Party.
“I have taken this decision after wide consultations with my family, constituents and supporters in view of the lingering divisions in the leadership and unending litigations pervading the entirety of the Labour Party in Nigeria,” he stated.
He added that he remains committed to contributing to national development and ensuring that citizens are not oppressed
Other Senators Who Defected
Other lawmakers who joined the ADC include:
• Ogoshi Onawo – representing Nasarawa South, who moved from the PDP
• Ireti Kingibe – representing the Federal Capital Territory and defected from the Labour Party
• Austin Akobundu – representing Abia Central, formerly of the PDP
• Tony Nwoye – representing Anambra North, who left the Labour Party
• Binos Yaroe – representing Adamawa South
Speaking on his decision, Senator Onawo said his defection was driven by a desire to strengthen democratic values in Nigeria.
“My defection is principally informed by my commitment to promoting the tenets of democracy, strengthening the ideals of a vibrant multi-party system and joining hands with well-meaning Nigerians who are committed to advancing good governance, national unity and sustainable development,” he said.
Political Implications
The mass defection is expected to reshape political alignments within the National Assembly, as the African Democratic Congress continues to attract lawmakers from major political parties.
Analysts believe the development could significantly influence Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.