Finger-Pointing Erupts: ADC and NDC Trade Barbs as Lawmaker Jumps Ship

By Omoyeni Ojeifo, Abuja

Tensions boiled over on national television Tuesday as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) squared off against Rep. Ifeanyi Uzokwe over his recent move to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Appearing a Channels TV interview monitored by Persecondnews, Uzokwe and ADC leadership traded barbs regarding a surge of defections to the NDC—a trend that has sparked a heated public debate over political loyalty versus strategic survival.

Uzokwe said his decision to leave the ADC followed extensive consultations within the coalition that formed the party structure, insisting the move was driven by political reality rather than sentiment.

“I am one of those honourable members who went around meeting our leaders. We knew what they told us, and that formed part of the decisions we took,” he said.

He explained that the political environment within the coalition had shifted, forcing lawmakers like him to reassess their positions.

“Politics is about survival and structure. You make decisions based on what you see ahead, not just emotion or attachment. That is the reality of the game,” he noted.

Uzokwe also rejected suggestions that fear of political heavyweights influenced his decision, insisting that his electoral strength was well established.

In a more pointed remark, Ifeanyi Uzokwe responded to accusations from ADC leadership that defectors lacked courage and were avoiding competition.

“I have defeated candidates aligned with the Peter Obi structure before. So it is completely wrong to suggest I am afraid of anyone or that I cannot compete. That narrative is not correct,” Uzokwe said.

He further stressed that his exit was not personal but based on shifting political alignments within the coalition.

“I respect Atiku Abubakar, but every politician must secure his future based on consultations, structure, and realities on ground. That is what guided my decision,” he added.

He maintained that the NDC offered a clearer political direction for lawmakers uncertain about the coalition’s future trajectory.

Responding on behalf of the ADC, Deputy National Financial Secretary, Oladimeji Fabiyi, dismissed claims that the party was in crisis, insisting the defections reflected individual political calculations rather than structural weakness.

Fabiyi said the ADC remained stable and committed to internal democratic processes despite the exits.

“There is nothing wrong with our party. Perhaps something is wrong with those who are leaving. They are the only ones who can explain why they left,” he stressed.

He emphasized, that the party’s structure remained intact, pointing to ongoing mobilisation and internal activities as evidence of strength.

“We are solid on ground. We have programmes, we have structures, and we are not a party built on confusion or imposed leadership,” Fabiyi said.

Fabiyi also reacted strongly to the justification offered by some defectors, accusing them of lacking confidence in their electoral strength and depending heavily on political alliances.

“They are cowards. They believe they cannot win without Peter Obi. That is why they are running away. If you are confident in yourself, you stay and test your strength in primaries,” he stressed.

He insisted that internal party democracy remained non-negotiable within the ADC.

“If you want to lead, you must be ready for primaries. We don’t do coronation here. Everyone must face the process,” he added.

Fabiyi further dismissed suggestions that the ADC was weakening due to defections, arguing that political movement between parties was normal in a competitive democracy.

Persecondnews reports that the confrontation comes amid a wave of defections involving multiple ADC lawmakers and coalition members into the NDC, a development that has intensified debate over party cohesion, direction, and future positioning ahead of the next electoral cycle.