The move by Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso who were presidential candidates of the Labour Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party in 2023 to the Nigeria Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 elections has sparked a wave of resignations in the National Assembly.
Both politicians made a strong showing in the last general elections, attracting significant voter support.
However, alongside opposition figures in the Peoples Democratic Party, they have now chosen to align forces in a bid to challenge Bola Tinubu in 2027.
To actualise this plan, opposition leaders initially came together under a coalition led by Atiku Abubakar. The group adopted the African Democratic Congress as its platform, with Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, and their followers joining the party.
Not long after, however, Obi and Kwankwaso exited the ADC for the NDC, signalling a fresh political alignment ahead of the next elections. Their defection was followed by a series of moves within the legislature.
Reports indicate that at least four senators switched parties, while 18 members of the House of Representatives also resigned. Of the Reps members, 17 moved to the NDC, while Leke Abejide defected to the All Progressives Congress.
Below is the breakdown of the defections.
List of senators who resigned
S/N – Name Senatorial District – Old Party – New Party
1 Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senatorial Zone: Abia South Old Party: ADC New Party: Labour Party.
2 Victor Umeh Anambra Central ADC NDC
3 Rufai Hanga Kano Central NNPP NDC
List of House of Reps members who resigned
S/N – Name of Lawmaker – Constituency – Old Party – New Party
1 Yusuf Umar Datti Constituency: Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam Old Party: ADC New Party: NDC
2 Harris Okonkwo Idemili North/Idemili ADC NDC
3 Sani Adamu Minjibir/Ungogo, Kano ADC NDC
4 Thaddeus Attah Eti-Osa, Lagos ADC NDC
5 George Ozodinobi Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia ADC NDC
6 Lilian Obiageli Awka North/Awka South ADC NDC
7 Oluwaseyi Sowunmi Ojo, Lagos ADC NDC
8 Peter Anekwe Anambra East/West ADC NDC
9 Zakari Umar Mukhtari Tarauni, Kano ADC NDC
10 George Olawande Amuwo Odofin, Lagos ADC NDC
11 Murphy Osaro Omoruyi Egor/Ikpoba-Okha ADC NDC
12 Umezuruike Munachim Port Harcourt I ADC NDC
13 Emeka Idu Onitsha North/South ADC NDC
14 Jesse Onuakalusi Oshodi-Isolo ADC NDC
15 Ifeanyi Uzokwe Nnewi North/South/Ekwusigo ADC NDC
16 Afam Ogene Ogbaru, Anambra ADC NDC
17 Kamilu Ado Wudil/Garko ADC NDC
