Opposition Shake-Up: NDC Gains Key Figures from ADC, SDP, LP

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has recorded a significant boost in the Federal Capital Territory following the defection of key figures from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Labour Party (LP), in a development that signals a shifting political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

The defections, which took place in Guzape, Abuja, were led by Barrister Amanda Pam, a former ADC senatorial aspirant, who moved into the NDC alongside a large segment of her political structure. Also joining the party are Farouk Dantsama, a former deputy state chairman of the Labour Party, and Hon. Nurudeen Bisalla, a former chairman of the SDP in the FCT, as well as several grassroots officials.

Former Bayelsa State Governor and senator, Seriake Dickson, who received the defectors, said the development reflects a broader national movement, noting that similar alignments are taking place across the country. He stated that the NDC remains open to Nigerians seeking an alternative political platform.

Dickson confirmed that the SDP’s structure in the FCT, including executives at the state, local government, and ward levels, has been fully integrated into the NDC, describing the move as a strategic consolidation of political forces.

The defections come amid internal challenges within the ADC and recent action by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which removed the names of a factional leadership led by David Mark from its portal and suspended engagement with all factions of the party pending the outcome of a case before the Federal High Court in Abuja. INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna said the decision was taken to avoid influencing ongoing judicial proceedings.

Reacting to the situation, Dickson warned that even the perception of interference by state institutions in the affairs of political parties could undermine public confidence in democratic processes. He stressed that a threat to one opposition party should be seen as a threat to all, calling for collective efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s multi-party system.

He urged INEC and other institutions, including the judiciary and security agencies, to maintain strict neutrality, emphasizing that political parties must be allowed to resolve their internal disputes without external involvement. According to him, the credibility of institutions depends not only on their actions but also on how those actions are perceived by the public.

Dickson disclosed that the NDC recently held its first National Executive Committee meeting under INEC observation without objections and noted that the party had previously secured a court judgment that facilitated its registration. He added that decisions taken at the meeting, including timelines for congresses, would be announced by the party’s National Working Committee.

The former governor also cautioned against any drift toward a one-party system, stressing that Nigeria’s democratic stability depends on the coexistence of a strong ruling party and a vibrant opposition. He recalled that previous administrations under Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and Goodluck Jonathan upheld a multi-party structure that allowed opposition parties to thrive.

He further encouraged opposition parties to explore legitimate avenues for collaboration, citing past political alliances as examples of how cooperation can strengthen democratic practice. Dickson maintained that both real and perceived interference in party affairs could erode trust in key institutions, warning that such developments may pose risks to political stability as the 2027 elections approach.