The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing a major setback following the exit of two of its most influential figures, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, a move that has triggered a wave of defections and significantly weakened the party’s presence in the National Assembly.
Within days of their departure, the National Democratic Congress (NDC)—the new political home of both leaders—recorded a surge in support, gaining 17 members of the House of Representatives and one senator. Earlier, the party had also welcomed Seriake Dickson, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The ripple effect has been swift and widespread. Lawmakers from states including Kano, Anambra, Lagos, Edo, Rivers, and Kogi cited internal crises and instability within the ADC as reasons for jumping ship. During plenary, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu read their letters, many of which pointed to unresolved leadership disputes stretching from the grassroots to the national level.
The coordinated defections are widely seen as a show of loyalty to Obi and Kwankwaso, both of whom command strong regional influence. Their exit appears to have exposed deep cracks within the ADC, accelerating its decline and raising concerns about its political future.
Once boasting 24 members in the House, the ADC is now left with just six. The situation reflects a broader shake-up in the opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially as parties explore the possibility of presenting a united front against the ruling APC.
Even the PDP, traditionally the main opposition party, is not immune to the shifting tides. Its representation in the House has dropped sharply from 116 members at the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in 2023 to just 29.
Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio openly mocked the ADC during plenary, declaring the party “dead” amid the ongoing defections. Reacting to the frequent party switches, he joked about lawmakers defecting multiple times within a short period and suggested a more coordinated approach to announcing such moves.
Among those who recently left the ADC is Senator Victor Umeh, who formally notified the Senate of his decision. In his resignation letter, Umeh cited persistent internal divisions and legal battles within the party as key reasons for his exit, adding that he would now continue his political journey under the NDC platform.
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He later explained that while the ADC initially showed promise as a coalition platform, it became weighed down by internal disagreements and litigation, making it difficult for members to remain.
Despite the growing exodus, the ADC insists it remains unfazed. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed the defections as inconsequential, arguing that the party’s strength lies not in individual politicians but in its core values and grassroots structures.
At the state level, particularly in Rivers, party leaders have also moved to reassure members, stressing unity and continuity despite national developments.
Still, the numbers tell a different story. With key figures gone and legislative strength dwindling, the ADC now faces an uphill battle to remain relevant in Nigeria’s fast-evolving political landscape.
