Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stirred reactions after joking that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is “dead” following a new wave of defections in the National Assembly.

Speaking during plenary, Akpabio remarked after several lawmakers formally announced their exit from the ADC to other parties, including the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Labour Party.

“Maybe all those defecting from ADC should just compile everything in one paper… because I think ADC is dead,” he said, drawing laughter and reactions from lawmakers in the chamber.

The Senate President also questioned the frequency of political defections, joking that some lawmakers had switched parties multiple times within a short period.

“How many times can you defect in a month? Once. But some have done three times,” he added humorously.

Among those who recently defected is Senator Victor Umeh, who moved to the NDC, citing internal crises and ongoing legal battles within the ADC as reasons for his decision.

Akpabio further suggested that lawmakers should adopt a more organised approach when announcing defections to avoid what he described as a “daily ritual” in the Senate.

The development comes amid a broader political shake-up, with over a dozen members of the House of Representatives also leaving the ADC for the NDC, signaling deepening cracks within the party.

Analysts say the rising wave of defections reflects ongoing instability within opposition parties, while also reshaping alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.