The lawmaker representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, has explained why he and several other members of the House of Representatives left the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the decision followed controversial remarks by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Uzokwe spoke during an interview on the Politics Today program, where he addressed the growing wave of defections from the opposition party. He said members became uncomfortable after Atiku allegedly claimed that the opposition coalition was formed in his house and that the ADC was his personal party.
According to him, those statements created tension within the party and raised questions about ownership, control, and the future direction of the political platform.
“We left because Atiku said the ADC was his and that the coalition was formed in his house,” Uzokwe said during the interview.
His comments come at a time of major political movement within Nigeria’s opposition landscape, as lawmakers and politicians reposition themselves ahead of future elections.
On Tuesday, at least 17 members of the House of Representatives reportedly defected from the ADC to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), while another lawmaker moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The developments mark one of the largest waves of defections in recent months.
The defections reflect the ongoing realignment within Nigeria’s political space, where party loyalty is often fluid and influenced by internal disagreements, leadership disputes, and strategic positioning ahead of elections.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), like many smaller parties in Nigeria, has struggled over the years to maintain unity and strong national presence. While it has served as a platform for opposition voices, internal disagreements and leadership struggles have often weakened its structure.
Uzokwe’s remarks suggest that issues of control and perception of ownership remain central to the crisis. His reference to Atiku Abubakar, a former presidential candidate and long-time political figure, highlights the influence that major political actors continue to have on smaller coalition platforms.
Nigeria’s political system is dominated by a few major parties, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) playing leading roles. Smaller parties like the ADC and NDC often struggle to retain members, especially during election seasons.
In recent years, the country has witnessed repeated waves of defections, particularly as elections approach. Politicians often cite ideological differences, leadership disputes, or strategic political interests as reasons for switching parties.
However, critics argue that such defections are often driven more by personal ambition than ideology. They say the trend weakens democratic institutions and reduces accountability, as politicians frequently move between parties without clear policy differences.
Uzokwe’s statement adds a new layer to the debate, suggesting that internal ownership claims and control of party structures can also drive political exits.
While he did not go into further detail about internal meetings or negotiations, his comments suggest that tensions within the ADC had been building over time before the final decision to leave.
The movement of 17 lawmakers to the NDC is also significant, as it could strengthen the visibility of the relatively smaller party in the National Assembly. Similarly, the single defection to the APC reflects the continued dominance of the ruling party as a preferred destination for politicians seeking stability and influence.
For voters, however, frequent defections often raise concerns about trust and consistency. Many Nigerians question whether elected officials remain committed to the platforms on which they were voted into office, or whether party switching undermines the democratic mandate.
Despite these concerns, the practice remains legal under Nigeria’s constitution, except in cases where defections occur without clear division within a party or without legal justification.
The National Assembly has in the past debated measures to regulate defections, but such efforts have not led to major reforms.
As the current wave of political movement continues, attention is now shifting to how the ADC and other affected parties will respond. Analysts believe the parties may need to address internal leadership disputes and strengthen their structures to prevent further losses.
For now, Uzokwe’s comments have added to ongoing political discussions about party loyalty, leadership control, and the future of opposition politics in Nigeria.
With more political realignments expected in the coming months, observers say the situation is likely to remain fluid as politicians continue to position themselves ahead of future elections.6cc