The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday described the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as “dead” following a wave of defections by lawmakers from the party.
Akpabio made the remark during plenary while formally announcing the resignation of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe from the ADC. Reading Abaribe’s letter on the floor of the Senate, the Senate President confirmed the lawmaker’s immediate move to the Labour Party.
Commenting on the increasing rate of defections, Akpabio urged lawmakers to adopt a more coordinated approach in notifying the Senate. He suggested that defecting members submit their names collectively to avoid repeated announcements during plenary.
“All those defecting from ADC should just compile everything in one paper so that we don’t keep announcing. I think ADC is dead,” Akpabio said, drawing reactions across the chamber.
In his resignation letter, Abaribe cited ongoing legal uncertainties surrounding the ADC as the primary reason for his decision. He, however, maintained that his exit was not due to any rift with party leadership or members.
“This has nothing to do with the leadership and members whom I have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy close and solid relationships with,” Abaribe stated.
The Senate also recorded other defections during the session. Senator Victor Umeh announced his departure from the ADC to join the National Democratic Congress (NDC), while Senator Rufai Hanga defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the NDC.
At the House of Representatives, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas also announced multiple defections. Several lawmakers, including Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, and others, left the ADC to join the NDC.
Additionally, Hon. Leke Abejide of Kogi State defected from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress.
The growing list of defections underscores shifting political alliances and intensifying realignments ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, raising fresh concerns about the future viability of the ADC.
By Chief Edet Isong