Nine senators have defected from their political parties to the newly-formed African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move that could reshape the country’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defections were announced on Thursday during a Senate session by Godswill Akpabio, president of the Senate, who read the letters submitted by the lawmakers.
Among the most prominent defectors is Aminu Tambuwal, senator representing Sokoto South, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ADC. Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and two-term governor of Sokoto State, cited internal divisions within his former party as a key reason for leaving.
“The persistent internal crisis, leadership disagreements, and divisions within the party at various levels have made it increasingly difficult for me to continue my active participation and commitment as a member,” Tambuwal wrote in a resignation letter to his ward party leadership.
“The ongoing conflicts have, unfortunately, weakened the unity and direction that once defined the party.”
Several other senators also switched parties, including Enyinnaya Abaribe, who moved from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the ADC, and Victor Umeh, who left the Labour Party (Nigeria) (LP).
Umeh attributed his decision to turmoil within the Labour Party leadership.
“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 said in his defection letter.
“I remain committed to continuing to make my contributions towards the development of our nation where no one is oppressed.”
Other lawmakers who joined the ADC include Ogoshi Onawo (Nasarawa South), Ireti Kingibe (Federal Capital Territory), Austin Akobundu (Abia Central), Tony Nwoye (Anambra North), Binos Yaroe (Adamawa South) and Lawal Adamu Usman (Kaduna Central).
Explaining his decision, Usman said: “I have resolved to align with the African Democratic Congress in order to continue to effectively pursue the democratic aspirations and developmental interests of the people.”
Onawo similarly framed his move as part of a broader political commitment.
“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.
Slightly Shifted
Following the defections, the balance of power in the Senate has shifted slightly. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) still holds a commanding majority with 85 seats. The ADC now has nine senators, while the PDP’s representation has fallen to eight.
Smaller parties — including the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Social Democratic Party (Nigeria) (SDP), and APGA — each hold a single seat.
Three Senate seats remain vacant following the deaths of lawmakers representing Rivers South-East, Nasarawa North and Enugu North.
Politically, the defections could strengthen the ADC’s profile as an emerging platform for opposition figures dissatisfied with internal disputes in established parties such as the PDP and Labour Party. However, the ruling APC’s large majority means the immediate balance of power in the Senate remains largely unchanged.
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