ABUJA, Nigeria — The rapid ascent of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has triggered a wave of concern within the President Bola Tinubu-led APC and the struggling ADC camp, as the new party emerges as the primary “porting” destination for the nation’s political heavyweights.
The NDC, which recently welcomed the alliance of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, has seen its ranks swell with a significant number of National Assembly members and grassroots leaders. This mass migration has left the African Democratic Congress (ADC) facing a leadership vacuum, with many of its key figures moving to the NDC to secure a more stable platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
High-Profile Defections to NDC
The surge in NDC’s membership follows the high-profile entry of 2023 presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, who received their membership cards on May 3, 2026. They were joined by several senior lawmakers, including Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), who cited leadership disputes within the ADC, and Senator Rufai Hanga (Kano Central), the Deputy Minority Whip.
The surge in NDC’s membership follows the high-profile entry of 2023 presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, who received their membership cards on May 3, 2026. They were joined by several senior lawmakers, including Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), who cited leadership disputes within the ADC, and Senator Rufai Hanga (Kano Central), the Deputy Minority Whip.
The lower chamber has also been affected, with 17 House of Representatives members moving to the new party. Notable names among the defectors include Afam Ogene (Ogbaru), George Ozodinobi (Njikoka/Dunukofia/Anaocha), Lilian Orogbu (Awka North/South), and Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa). Other key figures include Yusuf Datti (Kura/Madobi/Garun Mallam), Uchenna Okonkwo (Idemili North/South), and Peter Aniekwe (Anambra East/West). Meanwhile, in a counter-move, Leke Abejide (Yagba Federal Constituency) exited the ADC to join the ruling APC.
Destabilization Allegations
Sources close to the opposition allege that the APC, in coordination with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has intensified efforts to destabilize the NDC’s momentum. These efforts reportedly include the sponsorship of “proxy” legal challenges aimed at questioning the NDC’s registration and inciting internal friction. Wike has publicly dismissed the NDC coalition as a gathering of “political liabilities,” a stance many view as a strategic attempt by the pro-Tinubu faction to undermine the emerging “third force.”
Sources close to the opposition allege that the APC, in coordination with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has intensified efforts to destabilize the NDC’s momentum. These efforts reportedly include the sponsorship of “proxy” legal challenges aimed at questioning the NDC’s registration and inciting internal friction. Wike has publicly dismissed the NDC coalition as a gathering of “political liabilities,” a stance many view as a strategic attempt by the pro-Tinubu faction to undermine the emerging “third force.”
ADC and APC Concerns
The ADC camp is reportedly in a state of alarm as its strength in the House of Representatives has dropped sharply from 24 members to approximately six. Meanwhile, within the APC, there is a growing recognition that the NDC’s “airtight” legal registration—backed by a Federal High Court order—makes it a more formidable opponent than previous fragmented opposition attempts.
The ADC camp is reportedly in a state of alarm as its strength in the House of Representatives has dropped sharply from 24 members to approximately six. Meanwhile, within the APC, there is a growing recognition that the NDC’s “airtight” legal registration—backed by a Federal High Court order—makes it a more formidable opponent than previous fragmented opposition attempts.
As the NDC prepares for its National Convention on May 9, the political establishment is closely watching how the Tinubu administration and the APC hierarchy will adjust their strategies to counter this consolidated opposition front.
