ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Nigerian Senate on Thursday confirmed the defection of nine senators from various political parties to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a major political realignment that significantly boosts the opposition party’s presence in the upper legislative chamber .
During plenary session, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read out letters of defection from the lawmakers, who cited internal crises and leadership disputes in their former parties as reasons for their decision to join the ADC .
The list of defecting senators includes:
1. Senator Austin Akobundu (Abia Central) – from PDP to ADC
2. Senator Ireti Kingibe (FCT) – from LP to ADC
3. Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo (Nasarawa South) – from PDP to ADC
4. Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto South) – from PDP to ADC
5. Senator Binos Dauda Yaroe (Adamawa South) – from PDP to ADC
6. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) – from APGA to ADC
7. Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) – from LP to ADC
8. Senator Tony Nwoye (Anambra North) – from LP to ADC
9. Senator Lawal Adamu Usman (Kaduna Central) – from PDP to ADC
The mass defection represents a significant political shift, with the ADC now boasting a stronger caucus in the Senate. Notably, former Senate Minority Leader and former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, is among those who have moved to the ADC, along with two former Labour Party senators from Anambra State, Victor Umeh and Tony Nwoye .
Senator Abaribe, who had been at the center of controversy over his defection from APGA, is also included in the list, effectively ending speculation about the status of his seat. The inclusion of FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe, daughter of the late nationalist Maitama Sule, further underscores the ADC’s growing appeal among opposition lawmakers .
The development is expected to reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the ADC continues to position itself as a viable alternative platform for politicians seeking to realign.
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