ADC gains nine senators following wave of defections

A total of nine senators from different political parties formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Thursday, in a move that further alters the political landscape of the 10th Senate.

The lawmakers, whose defection letters were read during Thursday’s plenary session by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, include:

Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto South)

Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South)

Binos Yaroe (Adamawa South)

Victor Umeh (Anambra Central)

Tony Nwoye (Anambra North)

Lawal Usman (Kaduna Central)

Ogoshi Onawo (Nasarawa South)

Austin Akobundu (Abia Central)

Ireti Kingibe (Federal Capital Territory)

In his letter, Tony Nwoye cited internal disputes within the Labour Party, including ongoing litigations, as the reason for his departure. “I wish to tender my resignation amid the ongoing multiple litigations within the Labour Party, which have significantly affected the cohesion and stability of the party. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest esteem and regards,” the letter read.

Following the reading of the letters, Senate President Akpabio welcomed the senators to the ADC while rejecting claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) orchestrated the defections.

READ ALSO: Former Sokoto governor Aminu Tambuwal dumps PDP, joins ADC

“Deputy Senate President and Leader of the Senate, I hope you noticed that I have read defections from three different political parties now. So, you cannot accuse the ruling party of tampering with its leadership. Here, we have APGA, Labour, SDP, and all of them. They are all out to ensure we have what you call a minority status in this chamber, and I am very proud of them,” Akpabio stated.

The latest defections reflect ongoing political realignments within the 10th Senate, amid internal crises in several opposition parties.

APC: 87 senators (majority)

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP): 7 senators

ADC: 7 senators (after the new defections)

Other minority parties: All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and National Democratic Congress (NDC) each have 1 senator

Notably, following the defections, the Labour Party and Social Democratic Party (SDP) no longer have representation in the Senate, highlighting the consolidation of minority blocs under ADC.

Political analysts say the defections underscore persistent instability within Nigeria’s opposition parties.

Professor Abdulrazaq Bello, a political scientist, said: “The ADC’s growth as a minority bloc positions it as a critical player in shaping legislative debates and committee dynamics. Opposition parties failing to manage internal disputes are losing their influence in the Senate.”

Political strategist Ngozi Eze added: “While APC maintains its commanding majority, the consolidation of minority senators under ADC could give the party leverage in negotiations on key bills and appointments. The realignment may also affect future electoral strategies at both the state and national levels.”

Observers note that these defections signal a broader trend of political repositioning ahead of the 2027 general elections, as lawmakers seek parties that provide stability and strategic advantage.

Thursday’s development underscores how internal party crises continue to reshape Nigeria’s legislative politics and the balance of power in the Senate.