Akpabio reacts to defections, says ADC ‘dead’

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday reacted to the ongoing wave of defections in the National Assembly, describing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as “dead” following the exit of several lawmakers from the party.

Akpabio made the remark while presiding over plenary shortly after the Senate announced fresh defections, including that of Senator Victor Umeh, who joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). 

Umeh cited internal crises and prolonged legal disputes within the ADC as reasons for his decision.

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Commenting on the development, Akpabio said the increasing number of defections had become excessive, joking that lawmakers should compile their moves instead of making repeated announcements on the Senate floor.

“Resignation from ADC and declaration for Labour Party. Maybe all those defecting from ADC should just compile everything in one paper and bring, so that we don’t keep announcing, announcing, announcing. Because I think ADC is dead,” Akpabio said.

He also questioned the frequency at which some legislators switch parties.

“How many times can you defect in a month? Once. But some have done three times,” he added in a lighter tone.

He suggested that lawmakers should adopt a more organised approach to notifying the Senate of such moves.

“So that it doesn’t look like a daily ritual. If you are defecting from Labour, you write all of you. If you are moving from ADC, you write all of you. If you are entering NDC, you write to all of you,” he said.