No fewer than 17 members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in a move that signals fresh political realignments within the National Assembly.

The development was formally announced on the floor of the Green Chamber during plenary, with the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, reading the defection notices submitted by the affected lawmakers.

Though details surrounding the reasons for their defection were not immediately disclosed, the mass movement is expected to alter the existing power dynamics within the House.

The lawmakers, who were elected under the ADC platform, are believed to have cited political considerations and alignment with the NDC’s agenda as factors influencing their decision.

Further details are expected as the situation unfolds.