The Nigerian Senate witnessed a wave of political drama on Tuesday as Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio jokingly declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had effectively collapsed following a series of high-profile defections shaking the political landscape.
The remarks came during plenary after the Senate officially announced the defection of several lawmakers to different political platforms, including the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Labour Party. Among those who recently left the ADC was Senator Victor Umeh, who cited internal party crises and ongoing litigation as key reasons for his departure.
In a lighthearted but striking comment, Akpabio suggested that the repeated announcements of defections had become overwhelming, proposing that lawmakers should simply submit a consolidated list instead of announcing individual movements on the Senate floor.
He humorously remarked that the situation had become repetitive, adding that what was unfolding made it seem as though the ADC was no longer functional. His comments sparked reactions within the chamber as he further quipped about the frequency of political switching among legislators, questioning how often defections could occur within a short period.
Akpabio went on to suggest a more organized approach to handling party switches, insisting that lawmakers should compile their defection letters collectively based on their destination parties to reduce constant interruptions during plenary sessions.
During the sitting, he also referenced the political journey of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, noting his transitions across parties over the years, including APGA, ADC, and most recently, the Labour Party. The Senate President joked that future defections might no longer require individual readings on the floor due to their increasing frequency.
The development comes amid a broader wave of political realignment within the National Assembly. Reports indicate that no fewer than 16 members of the House of Representatives have also left the ADC for the NDC, further weakening the party’s presence in the legislature.
Several lawmakers, including Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, and Lilian Orogbu, were among those who recently announced their departure during proceedings in the Green Chamber.
In his resignation letter, Senator Victor Umeh pointed to prolonged internal divisions and unresolved legal disputes within the ADC, stating that the situation had made continued membership impossible. He, however, reaffirmed his commitment to national development, noting that he would continue his political contributions under the banner of the NDC.
The ongoing defections have intensified discussions about shifting alliances within Nigeria’s political space, signaling a period of uncertainty and restructuring ahead of future elections.
