The House of Representatives witnessed a mass defection on Tuesday as no fewer than 17 lawmakers formally announced their exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during plenary, citing internal crises within their former party.

The defectors, who hail from Lagos, Kano, Anambra, Edo and Rivers states, presented individual letters on the floor of the House, attributing their decision to what they described as “unresolved crises from the national to ward levels” in the ADC.

Among those who defected is Harris Okonkwo, who represents the Idemili North/Idemili South Federal Constituency of Anambra State, who said the decision was taken after “wide consultations with political stakeholders and constituents".

Also, Yusuf Umar Datti, representing the Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam Federal Constituency of Kano State, said the lingering instability within the ADC had made it difficult to effectively serve his constituents.

Other lawmakers who moved from ADC to NDC include Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa, Lagos); Deputy Minority Whip George Ozodinobi (Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia, Anambra); Sani Adamu (Minjibir/Ungogo, Kano); Lilian Obiageli (Awka North/Awka South, Anambra); and OluwaSeyi Sowunmi (Ojo, Lagos).

Additionally, among the defectors are Zakari Umar Mukhtari (Tarauni, Kano); Peter Anekwe (Anambra East/West); Murphy Osaro Omoruyi (Egor/Ikpoba-Okha, Edo); George Olawande (Amuwo Odofin, Lagos); Umezuruike Manuchim (Port Harcourt I, Rivers); Emeka Idu (Onitsha North/South, Anambra); and Jesse Onuakalusi (Oshodi-Isolo, Lagos).

Others are Afam Ogene (Ogbaru, Anambra); Ifeanyi Uzokwe (Nnewi North/South/Ekwusigo, Anambra); and Kamilu Ado (Wudil/Garko, Kano).

In a similar move, Leke Abejide, representing Yagba Federal Constituency, also disclosed his defection from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In response to the wave of defection, some lawmakers expressed concern over the growing trend of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating that party instability remains a recurring factor driving defections in the National Assembly.

The Speaker accepted the letters and wished the defecting lawmakers well in their new political parties, in line with parliamentary tradition.

The move is expected to disrupt the balance of power among minority parties in the House, especially affecting the ADC’s standing in the lower chamber.