By Fatima Saka
ABUJA — Senator Victor Umeh, alongside eight other lawmakers from different political parties, on Thursday defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a move that signals a significant political realignment in the Senate.
The senators who joined the ADC include Aminu Tambuwal representing Sokoto State; Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia; Binos Yaroe from Adamawa; Umeh of Anambra; Tony Nwoye also from Anambra; Lawal Usman of Kaduna; Ogoshi Onawo from Nasarawa State; Augustine Akobundu of Abia; and Ireti Kingibe representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Their letters of defection were formally presented during plenary, notifying the Senate leadership of their decision to leave their former parties and join the ADC.
Although the individual letters contained varying explanations, the lawmakers generally cited political realignment and the need to pursue their legislative and constituency interests on a platform they believe better reflects their political convictions.
The development is expected to bolster the presence of the ADC in the upper chamber and could influence party dynamics and legislative alignments within the Senate.
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Observers say the defections highlight ongoing shifts within Nigeria’s political space as parties and politicians reposition ahead of future political contests.
Reacting after the announcement of the defections, Senate President Godswill Akpabio made a light-hearted remark about Senator Abaribe, noting that while the Abia lawmaker had changed parties, his vibrant and outspoken contributions on the Senate floor were well known and would continue to be felt regardless of his new political platform.
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