Akpabio mocks ADC as defections rock National Assembly

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday took a swipe at the African Democratic Congress (ADC), joking that the party was “dead” amid a fresh wave of defections in the National Assembly.

Akpabio made the remark while presiding over plenary in the Nigerian Senate, shortly after lawmakers formally announced their departure from the ADC to other parties, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Labour Party.

Reacting to the frequent announcements, the Senate President suggested that defecting lawmakers should submit their notices collectively rather than individually.

“Maybe all those defecting should compile everything in one paper so we don’t keep announcing it repeatedly. Because I think ADC is dead,” he said, drawing reactions from fellow lawmakers.

He further joked about the increasing frequency of defections, questioning how often lawmakers could switch parties within a short period.

During the session, Akpabio also read a defection letter from Enyinnaya Abaribe, highlighting his movement from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the ADC and now to the Labour Party.

The development comes as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, with no fewer than 16 members of the House of Representatives Nigeria also defecting from the ADC to the NDC.

Among those who recently left the party is Victor Umeh, who cited internal divisions and persistent litigation within the ADC as reasons for his exit.

In his resignation letter, Umeh said the ongoing leadership crises made his continued stay in the party untenable, adding that he would continue his political activities under the NDC.

The wave of defections underscores growing shifts within Nigeria’s political landscape as parties reposition ahead of the next general elections.