In a seismic shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, nine senators defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Thursday, March 12, 2026, propelling the party to the top of the Senate’s minority bloc.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio formally announced the defections during plenary by reading their letters.
Leading the pack was Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto South), who ditched the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for ADC. Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) followed suit, switching from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), while Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) abandoned the Labour Party (LP) amid its deepening leadership crisis, as he noted in his letter.
The mass move underscores growing volatility in party loyalties ahead of key political battles in the country.
“I have taken this decision after wide consultations with my family, constituents and supporters in view of the lingering divisions in the leadership and unending litigations pervading the entirety of the Labour Party in Nigeria,” he said.
“I remain committed to continuing or to continue making my contributions towards the development of our nation where no one is oppressed.”
Ogoshi Onawo, senator representing Nasarawa south, defected from the PDP to the ADC.
Onawo said the move was driven by his commitment to democratic values and good governance.
“My defection is principally informed by my commitment to promoting the tenets of democracy, strengthening the ideals of a vibrant multi-party system and joining hands with well-meaning Nigerians who are committed to advancing good governance, national unity and sustainable development,” he said.
Ireti Kingibe, senator representing the federal capital territory (FCT), also defected from the LP to the ADC.
Austin Akobundu, senator representing Abia central, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ADC, while Tony Nwoye, senator representing Anambra north, switched from the Labour Party (LP) to the ADC, and Binos Yaroe, senator representing Adamawa south, also moved from the PDP to the ADC.
Lawal Adamu Usman, senator representing Kaduna central, also defected from the PDP to the ADC.
“I have resolved to align with the African Democratic Congress in order to continue to effectively pursue the democratic aspirations and development and developmental interests of the people,” Usman said.
With the defections, the composition of the senate now stands as follows: All Progressives Congress (APC) — 85; African Democratic Congress (ADC) — 9; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — 8; New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) — 1; National Democratic Coalition (NDC) — 1; All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) — 1; and Social Democratic Party (SDP) — 1.
Three seats remain vacant following the deaths of Barinada Mpigi, senator representing Rivers south-east; Godiya Akwashiki, senator representing Nasarawa north; and Okey Ezea, senator representing Enugu north.
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