Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as “dead” following a fresh wave of defections by lawmakers to other political parties.
Akpabio made the remark during plenary while presiding over the Senate, shortly after several defections were formally announced. Speaking in a light tone, he joked that the constant movement of lawmakers had become excessive and suggested a more organised approach to announcing such changes.
His comment came after senators, including Victor Umeh, left the ADC for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), citing internal crises and ongoing legal disputes within the party. Others have also moved to the Labour Party.
Akpabio questioned the frequency of defections, joking that some lawmakers had switched parties multiple times within a short period. He advised that defecting members should submit their moves collectively rather than making repeated individual announcements on the Senate floor.
During the session, he also referenced the political journey of Enyinnaya Abaribe, noting his movement from APGA to ADC and now to the Labour Party.
The developments reflect a broader political realignment in the National Assembly, with at least 16 members of the House of Representatives also leaving the ADC for the NDC.
In his resignation letter, Umeh attributed his exit to persistent leadership crises and unresolved legal battles within the ADC, stating that the situation made continued membership untenable.
