Eighteen members of the African Democratic Congress in the House of Representatives have announced their defection, with 17 lawmakers joining the National Democratic Congress and one moving to the All Progressives Congress.

The lawmakers cited a prolonged internal crisis within the ADC, stating that ongoing divisions had undermined their ability to effectively carry out legislative duties.

Leke Abejide, Chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise, led the lone defection to the APC.

Those who defected to the NDC include Yusuf Umar Datti (Kano), Uchenna Harrison Okonkwo (Anambra), Sani Adamu Wakil (Kano), Thaddius Attah Achef (Lagos), George Ozodinobi (Anambra), Obiageli Lilian Orogbu (Anambra), and Oluwaseun Sowumi (Lagos).

Others are Peter Aniekwe (Anambra), Mukthar Umar Zakari (Kano), George Oluwande (Lagos), Murphy Omoruyi (Edo), Munachin Alozie (Abia), Emeka Idu (Anambra), Jessy-Okey Onuakalusi (Lagos), Peter Uzokwe (Anambra), Victor Afam Ogene (Anambra), and Abdulhakeem Kamilu Ado (Kano).

The development is part of a broader wave of political realignments ahead of the May 10 deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for submission of party membership registers in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

With the latest defections, the ADC’s representation in the House has been reduced to just six members,