ADC loses two senators to NDC, Labour Party

Two serving senators, Victor Umeh and Enyinnaya Abaribe, have officially left the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for new political platforms, attributing their decisions to ongoing internal conflicts and leadership struggles within the party.

Mr Umeh, who represents Anambra Central Senatorial District, has moved to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), while Mr Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District, has joined the Labour Party (LP).

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read out their defection letters during plenary.

In his correspondence, Mr Umeh explained that his move followed broad consultations with stakeholders, including his family and political base.

“I have taken this decision after wide consultations with my family, my constituents, and supporters in view of the lingering divisions in the leadership and unending litigations in the African Democratic Congress,” he said.

He added that his dedication to national service remains unchanged, despite the switch in party affiliation.

“I remain committed to making my contributions towards the development of our dear nation, but this time through the NDC.”

“Please, accept the assurances of my highest regards,” Mr Umeh, who was elected into the upper chamber on the Labour Party (LP) platform in 2023, said.

On his part, Mr Abaribe confirmed that his resignation from the ADC takes immediate effect.

“My decision to resign my membership of the African Democratic Congress is effective immediately. Accordingly, I have joined the Labour Party,” he said.

He noted that his decision was influenced by the worsening internal disputes within the party.

“My decision is anchored on the now well-known leadership crisis within the ADC, occasioned by multiple legal issues besetting the party,” he said.

Mr Abaribe, who secured re-election under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), had only recently aligned with the ADC before making this latest move.

Reacting to the development, Mr Akpabio humorously commented on the growing trend of defections in the National Assembly.

He said, “Clerk, note that he has moved and now he has moved from ADC to Labour Party. If he brings another letter, I won’t announce it again,” he said, eliciting laughter among lawmakers.

(NAN)