Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday mocked the African Democratic Congress (ADC) declaring the party as “dead” following the defection of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe to the Labour Party.
Akpabio made the remark during plenary while reading Abaribe’s defection letter, drawing laughter from fellow lawmakers.
“I think ADC is dead,” he said.
Abaribe Cites Internal Crisis
Abaribe, who represents Abia South Senatorial District, said his decision to leave the ADC was driven by unresolved legal disputes and internal instability within the party.
He pointed to ongoing court cases, leadership tussles and what he described as persistent uncertainty.
According to him, the move was not an easy one but became necessary in view of the party’s condition.
The lawmaker had only joined the ADC in March alongside eight other politicians in what was seen as a strategic effort to strengthen opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Before his brief stay in the ADC, Abaribe was a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
ADC battles internal divisions
In recent months, the ADC has been plagued by factional disputes, leadership crises and legal battles, including court rulings that have affected its internal structure and state congresses.
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The party has also witnessed the exit of several prominent figures, among them former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Wider Political Implications
Abaribe’s return to the Labour Party highlights the shifting alliances within Nigeria’s opposition space ahead of the next election cycle.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.