The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is strengthening its political foothold in the National Assembly following a wave of defections by senators and the party’s move to reorganise its internal structures ahead of a national convention.
Recently, nine senators abandoned their respective political parties to join the ADC, a development that has significantly boosted the party’s presence in the Senate and positioned it as the leading opposition party in the chamber. After reviewing the lawmakers’ letters, Senate President Godswill Akpabio declared the defections during plenary.
Those who joined the ADC include Aminu Tambuwal, senator representing Sokoto South; Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South; Victor Umeh of Anambra Central; Tony Nwoye of Anambra North; Ogoshi Onawo of Nasarawa South; Austin Akobundu of Abia Central; Binos Yaroe of Adamawa South; Lawal Adamu Usman of Kaduna Central; and Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory.
Many of the senators explained their choices by pointing to internal conflicts and leadership issues inside their former parties, particularly the PDP. For instance, Senator Victor Umeh, who quitted the Labour Party, claimed that lawsuits and ongoing leadership conflicts had an impact on his decision.
“I have taken this decision after wide consultations with my family, constituents and supporters in view of the lingering divisions in the leadership and unending litigations pervading the entirety of the Labour Party in Nigeria,” he said.
Similarly, Onawo, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said his decision was driven by a desire to promote democratic values and support good governance.
“My defection is principally informed by my commitment to promoting the tenets of democracy, strengthening the ideals of a vibrant multi-party system and joining hands with well-meaning Nigerians committed to advancing good governance, national unity and sustainable development,” he said.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) still controls the majority in the Senate, but the ADC now has nine seats, surpassing the PDP to become the largest opposition party.
In addition, the ADC has also announced plans to fortify its internal institutions by holding a number of national congresses that will end with a national convention.
In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi and National Organizing Secretary Prince Chinedu Idigo, the party released the workout timetable.
The declaration states that local government congresses would take place on April 9, 2026, after polling unit and ward congresses on April 7. The national convention is set for April 14, with state congresses scheduled for April 11.
The party said the congresses are aimed at renewing its leadership across all levels and strengthening its organisational capacity ahead of future elections.
“The exercise forms part of the party’s constitutional mandate to renew and consolidate its leadership structures across all levels of the organisation,” the statement said.
Additionally, it stated that the national process will strengthen internal democracy and put the party in a better position to participate more actively in Nigerian politics.
