Eighteen members of the House of Representatives have defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), further weakening the party’s presence in the National Assembly.

Seventeen of the lawmakers moved to the National Democratic Congress, while one joined the All Progressives Congress.

The development was announced during plenary on Tuesday, as lawmakers formally declared their change of party affiliation.

The defectors blamed a prolonged internal crisis within the ADC, saying it had hampered their ability to carry out legislative duties effectively.

Leke Abejide, chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise, led the lone defection to the APC.

Those who joined the NDC include Yusuf Umar Datti, Uchenna Harrison Okonkwo, Sani Adamu Wakil, Thaddius Attah Achef, George Ozodinobi, Obiageli Lilian Orogbu and Oluwaseun Sowumi.

Others are Peter Aniekwe, Mukthar Umar Zakari, George Oluwande, Murphy Omoruyi, Munachin Alozie, Emeka Idu, Jessy-Okey Onuakalusi, Peter Uzokwe, Victor Afam Ogene and Abdulhakeem Kamilu Ado.

More defections are expected in the coming days ahead of the May 10 deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission for submission of party membership registers in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

Presiding over the session, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu made a light-hearted remark urging the defecting lawmakers to remain consistent, noting that several had only recently joined the ADC from other parties in April.

With the latest exits, the ADC’s representation in the House has dropped to just six members.