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ABUJA – Nine members of the Nigerian Senate have formally defected from their respective political parties to the African Democratic Congress in a significant political development that could reshape alignments within the upper chamber of the National Assembly.
The lawmakers moved from the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party (Nigeria), and All Progressives Grand Alliance, according to notifications submitted to the Senate leadership. Ejes Gist News reports that the mass defection represents one of the most notable political shifts in the current legislative session.
BREAKING: 12 House of Representatives Members Defect in Major Political Realignment, Six Join ADC
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List of Senators Who Defected to ADC
The following senators were listed among those who formally notified the chamber of their decision to join the African Democratic Congress:
| S/N | Senator | Former Party | New Party |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dauda Yaroe | PDP | ADC |
| 2 | Lawal Usman | PDP | ADC |
| 3 | Ogochukwu Onawe | PDP | ADC |
| 4 | Aminu Tambuwal | PDP | ADC |
| 5 | Austin Akobundu | PDP | ADC |
| 6 | Ireti Kingibe | LP | ADC |
| 7 | Victor Umeh | LP | ADC |
| 8 | Tony Nwoye | LP | ADC |
| 9 | Enyinnaya Abaribe | APGA | ADC |
Reasons Behind the Defections
Several senators who left the PDP and Labour Party cited internal disputes and leadership crises within their former parties as the primary factors influencing their decisions.
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In the case of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the lawmaker explained that his decision to join the African Democratic Congress followed his removal from APGA in September 2025, leaving him without a political platform.
Legislators who spoke during the announcement said the move reflected ongoing political restructuring within Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
Political Significance in the Senate
The entry of nine sitting senators into the African Democratic Congress significantly increases the party’s representation in the Senate.
Among the defectors are prominent political figures including former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Senate Minority Leader Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Federal Capital Territory senator Ireti Kingibe.
Political analysts note that the development strengthens the ADC’s presence in the National Assembly and could influence future legislative alignments and coalition-building within the Senate.
Impact on Former Parties
The defections carry implications for several political parties:
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
The departure of five senators adds to ongoing internal tensions within the party, which has experienced several high-profile exits in recent years.
Labour Party (LP)
The exit of three senators, including Victor Umeh and Ireti Kingibe, reduces the party’s representation in the Senate and raises questions about internal stability within the caucus.
All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)
The loss of Enyinnaya Abaribe removes one of the party’s most prominent legislative voices from its Senate ranks.
Next Steps in the Senate
The defecting senators are expected to be formally integrated into the African Democratic Congress caucus in the Senate in the coming days.
Their arrival may affect committee structures, legislative negotiations, and the broader balance of power within the chamber as lawmakers continue to reposition within Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
