Abuja, Nigeria — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has recorded a major boost in the House of Representatives, gaining no fewer than 10 lawmakers following a fresh wave of defections across political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defections, announced during plenary on Tuesday by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, reflect growing political realignments within Nigeria’s legislative arm.
Among the prominent lawmakers who joined the ADC is George Ozodinobi, the Deputy Minority Whip, who defected from the Labour Party (LP). Ozodinobi represents the Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia Federal Constituency of Anambra State.
Other defectors from the Labour Party to the ADC include:
Harris Okonkwo (Idemili North/Idemili South, Anambra)
Seyi Sowunmi (Ojo, Lagos)
George Olawande (Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos)
From the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), several lawmakers also crossed over to the ADC, including:
Yaya Bauchi Tongo (Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye)
Mani Maishinko Katami (Binji/Silame, Sokoto)
Abdussamad Dasuki (Kebbe/Tambuwal, Sokoto)
Umar Yusuf Yabo (Yabo/Shagari, Sokoto)
Bashir Gorau (Goronyo/Gada, Sokoto)
Also joining the ADC is Mustapha Abdullahi (Ikara/Kubau, Kaduna), who defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Beyond the ADC, several lawmakers also switched parties:
Philip Agbese (Benue) moved from the APC to the Labour Party.
Akanni Ademola (Osun) defected from the PDP to the Accord Party.
Ugochinyere Michael Ikeagwuonu (Imo) moved from the PDP to the Action Peoples Party (APP).
Nwogu Mathew (Imo) left the Labour Party for the APP.
In Taraba State, two lawmakers — Jaafaru Yakubu and Sadiq Abbas Tafida — defected from the PDP to the APC.
Similarly, Bello Shinkafi (Zamfara), Ibrahim Mohammed (Kebbi), and Mohammed Bassi (Adamawa) all moved from the PDP to the APC.
In Osun State, Oladebo Lanre Olomololaye also defected from the PDP to the Accord Party.
The lawmakers cited internal crises and unresolved disputes within their former parties as the primary reason for their decisions to switch allegiance.
Political analysts say the latest wave of defections signals early positioning and alliance-building ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The growing number of defections to the ADC is seen as a significant development that could reshape the balance of power in the House of Representatives.
With political parties experiencing internal challenges, observers believe more defections may follow in the coming months as lawmakers seek platforms that align with their political ambitions.
The trend underscores increasing political realignment across Nigeria’s political landscape as the countdown to 2027 continues.
