Seventeen members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing the party’s ongoing leadership crisis.

In separate letters read at plenary by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, the lawmakers attributed their defection to internal instability within the ADC.

Their move follows the recent defection of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who both left the ADC for the NDC last Sunday, also citing internal party crises.

Among those who defected to the NDC are Rep. Yusuf Datti, Rep. Sani Wakil, Rep. Mukthar Zakari, and Rep. Abdulhakeem Ado, all representing constituencies in Kano State.

From Anambra State, the defectors include Rep. Uchenna Okonkwo, Rep. George Ozodinobi, Rep. Obiageli Orogbu, Rep. Peter Aniekwe, Rep. Emeka Idu, Rep. Peter Uzokwe, and Rep. Afam Ogene.

Also joining the NDC are Rep. Thaddeus Achef, Rep. Oluwaseun Sowumi, Rep. George Oluwande, and Rep. Jessy-Okey Onuakalusi from Lagos State, as well as Rep. Murphy Omoruyi (Edo) and Rep. Munachin Alozie (Abia).

However, Rep. Leke Abejide (Kogi) defected from the ADC to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ruling on the matter, Kalu, who presided over the session, wished the defecting lawmakers well in their future political endeavours.