Nine senators on Thursday defected from their respective political parties to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking one of the most significant political realignments in the Nigerian Senate in recent months.
Leading the group of defectors are prominent political figures including the former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South. The lawmakers cited various reasons for their departure from their former parties, primarily focusing on deep-seated internal crises, leadership disputes, and a desire for a political platform that prioritizes national development and inclusivity.
The Full List of Defectors:
Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto South) – Formerly PDP
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) – Formerly APGA
Senator Ireti Kingibe (FCT) – Formerly Labour Party
Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) – Formerly PDP
Senator Shuaibu Lau (Taraba North) – Formerly PDP
Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe (Cross River North) – Formerly PDP
Senator Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East) – Formerly PDP
Senator Karimi Sunday (Kogi West) – Formerly APC
Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) – Formerly Labour Party
While reading the official letters of defection, Senate President Godswill Akpabio noted the constitutional implications of the move. Despite some objections raised by Senate leadership regarding the validity of the “internal crisis” claims—particularly in the case of Senator Abaribe—the defecting lawmakers maintained that their former platforms had become untenable for effective representation.
The ADC has welcomed the new members, stating that this influx of veteran legislators reinforces the party’s commitment to providing a credible alternative for governance and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic processes.
