Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday described the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as “dead” amid a fresh wave of defections shaking up Nigeria’s National Assembly, where lawmakers are increasingly switching political platforms.
Akpabio made the remark during the plenary shortly after reading a series of defection letters, including that of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who moved from the ADC to the Labour Party, citing internal divisions and prolonged legal battles within the party.
“I think ADC is dead,” Akpabio said, drawing laughter from lawmakers on the floor.
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The Senate President also expressed frustration over the frequency of defections, suggesting that lawmakers should streamline the process by submitting consolidated lists instead of repeated individual announcements.
“How many times can you defect in a month? Once. But some have done it three times,” he said.
Abaribe, in his resignation letter, pointed to leadership crises and unresolved legal disputes as reasons for leaving the ADC, adding that his political engagement would continue through the Labour Party.
Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, was also part of the broader political realignment unfolding within the Senate as opposition lawmakers reposition ahead of future elections.
The development highlights growing instability within opposition parties, particularly the ADC, which has faced internal disputes and legal challenges in recent months.
