Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reacted to a fresh wave of defections in the National Assembly, joking that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is effectively “dead” following the mass exit of its members.

Akpabio made the remark on Tuesday while presiding over plenary, shortly after the Senate announced a series of defections involving lawmakers moving to other parties, including the Labour Party and the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).

“Maybe all those defecting from ADC should just compile everything in one paper and bring, so that we don’t keep announcing, announcing, announcing. Because I think ADC is dead,” Akpabio said, drawing reactions from lawmakers.

Adopting a lighter tone, the Senate President also questioned the frequency of defections, noting that some lawmakers had switched parties multiple times within a short period.

During the sitting, Akpabio read a defection letter from Enyinnaya Abaribe, highlighting his movement from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to ADC and now to the Labour Party.

Earlier, the Senate formally announced the defection of Victor Umeh, who joined the NDC. In his letter, Umeh cited internal divisions and “unending litigation” within the ADC as reasons for his departure.

“I remain committed to making my contributions towards the development of our dear nation, but this time through the NDC,” he stated.

The development reflects a broader political realignment in the National Assembly. In the House of Representatives, no fewer than 16 lawmakers also defected from the ADC to the NDC, signalling growing instability within the party.

The remarks and defections were observed during plenary sessions of the National Assembly of Nigeria.