By Haruna Salami
Fresh divisions have surfaced within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as two senators, Victor Umeh and Enyinnaya Abaribe, announced their defection to separate political parties, citing ongoing leadership crises and internal disputes.
Umeh, who represents Anambra Central, defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), while Abaribe, senator for Abia South, joined the Labour Party (LP).
Both defections were formally conveyed through letters read on the Senate floor by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during plenary on Tuesday.
In his letter, Umeh said his decision followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including his family, constituents, and political associates.
“I write to inform you of my decision to defect from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC),” he stated.
He attributed his exit to unresolved internal divisions within the party.
“I have taken this decision after wide consultations with my family, my constituents, and supporters, in view of the lingering divisions in the leadership and unending litigations in the African Democratic Congress,” Umeh added.
Despite the move, he reaffirmed his commitment to national development, noting that he would continue to serve through his new political platform.
“I remain committed to making my contributions towards the development of our dear nation, but this time through the NDC,” he said, concluding with, “Please accept the assurances of my highest regards.”
Similarly, Abaribe announced his resignation from the ADC, declaring that his decision takes immediate effect.
“My decision to resign my membership of the African Democratic Congress is effective immediately. Accordingly, I have joined the Labour Party,” he said.
Abaribe linked his defection to what he described as a deepening leadership crisis within the party. “My decision is anchored on the now well-known leadership crisis within the ADC, occasioned by multiple legal issues besetting the party,” he explained.
Reacting to the back-to-back defections, Senate President Akpabio made a light-hearted remark on the growing trend of party switches among lawmakers.
“Clerk, note that he has moved… and now he has moved from ADC to Labour Party. If he brings another letter, I won’t announce it again,” he said humorously, drawing laughter in the chamber.
The defections highlight ongoing political realignments within Nigeria’s legislature, as internal party disputes and legal battles continue to reshape alliances ahead of future political contests.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
