By Our Correspondent
Nigeria’s political scene experienced a dramatic shift as fresh waves of defections hit the African Democratic Congress (ADC), prompting Senate President Godswill Akpabio to openly declare that the party is “practically dead.” His remarks came during a plenary session in the Senate, where multiple resignation letters from lawmakers affiliated with the ADC were read aloud, highlighting the scale of the ongoing exodus.
The situation drew attention when Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe formally announced his resignation from the ADC, signaling yet another high-profile departure from the party. His exit adds to a growing list of lawmakers who have recently distanced themselves from the platform, citing unresolved internal disputes, leadership challenges, and strategic political repositioning ahead of future elections.
In a moment that blended concern with sarcasm, Akpabio suggested that lawmakers intending to leave the ADC should consider compiling their resignation letters into a single document. According to him, the increasing frequency of individual announcements on the Senate floor was becoming repetitive and time-consuming. His comment, while laced with humor, underscored the seriousness of the crisis currently facing the party.
Observers note that the defections are not isolated incidents but part of a broader trend of political realignment within Nigeria’s National Assembly. Several legislators are reportedly exploring new affiliations with rival parties, a move widely interpreted as preparation for upcoming electoral contests and a reflection of shifting alliances within the country’s opposition landscape.
The ADC, once seen as a viable coalition platform capable of challenging dominant political forces, now appears to be grappling with deep internal fractures. Analysts point to ongoing legal battles, leadership disputes, and a lack of cohesion among key stakeholders as major factors driving members away from the party.
Despite the Senate President’s strong statement, political experts caution that declaring a party “dead” may be more rhetorical than factual. Nigerian political history shows that parties often survive periods of mass defections and internal crises, sometimes re-emerging stronger after restructuring and reconciliation efforts.
Nevertheless, the current wave of resignations raises serious questions about the ADC’s stability, future relevance, and ability to maintain its foothold in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive political environment. As events continue to unfold, all eyes remain on how the party’s leadership will respond to the crisis and whether it can halt the tide of defections threatening its existence.
