Numerical Blow Hits ADC As 17 Reps Leave Party For NDC
By Olumuyiwa Olumuyiwa
A gale of defections has swept through the house of representatives with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) worst hit as seventeen members of the coalition movement dumped the party for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker of the house, read the defection notices during Tuesday’s plenary.
The lawmakers, who represent 17 constituencies across the country, are Yusuf Datti (Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam, Kano), Harris Okonkwo (Idemili North/Idemili south, Anambra), Sani Adamu (Minjibir/Ungogo, Kano), Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa, Lagos), George Ozodinobi, deputy minority whip (Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia, Anambra), Lilian Obiageli (Awka north/Awka south, Anambra), and Oluwaseyi Sowunmi (Ojo, Lagos).
The legislators also include Peter Anekwe (Anambra east and west, Anambra), Zakari Mukhtari (Tarauni, Kano), George Olawande (Amuwo Odofin, Lagos), Murphy Omroruyi (Egor/Ikpoba Okha, Edo), Umezuruike Manuchim (Port-Harcourt I, Rivers), Emeka Idu (Onitsha north/south, Anambra), Jese Onuakalusi (Oshodi-Isolo, Lagos), Ifeanyi Uzokwe (Nnewi north/south/Ekwusigo, Anambra), Afam Ogene (Ogbaru, Anambra), and Kamilu Ado (Wudil/Garko, Kano).
Leke Abejide, lawmaker representing Yagba federal constituency of Kogi, also moved from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the letter, the lawmakers attributed their defections to leadership and legal crises in their former parties.
However, it is observed that the defection is a reflection of a realignment signalled by the action of former Anambra governor, Peter Obi and ex-Kano helmsman, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who left the ADC for the NDC a couple of days ago.
