Nine senators in the National Assembly have defected from their former political parties to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking one of the largest political shifts in the current Senate.

The lawmakers announced their defection during plenary at the Senate chamber on Wednesday. The development involves senators from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) who all moved to the ADC.

Among those who switched parties is the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, who left the Labour Party for the ADC. Also joining the new platform is Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo of Nasarawa South who defected from the PDP.

Former Sokoto State governor and senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, also announced his exit from the PDP to the ADC during the session.

Other senators who defected include Binos Dauda Yaroe representing Adamawa South, Austin Akobundu representing Abia Central, and Enyinnaya Abaribe representing Abia South who moved from APGA.

The list also includes Victor Umeh of Anambra Central, Tony Nwoye representing Anambra North, and Lawal Adamu Usman of Kaduna Central.

The senators cited political realignment and the need to pursue a broader national agenda as reasons for their decision. Analysts say the move could reshape alliances within the Senate ahead of future legislative battles and the next election cycle.

Political observers believe the growing strength of the ADC in the upper chamber may influence coalition politics and opposition strategy in the coming months.