The remark was made during Tuesday’s plenary as Akpabio formally announced the resignation of Enyinnaya Abaribe, who represents Abia South Senatorial District. The Senate President read Abaribe’s letter on the floor, confirming his departure from the party.
Reacting to the growing list of exits, Akpabio urged lawmakers to simplify how defections are presented in the chamber, suggesting a consolidated approach rather than repeated individual announcements.
“All those defecting from ADC should just compile everything in one paper so that we don’t keep announcing. I think ADC is dead,” he said.
”If you are defecting from Labour, write the names of all of you. If you are going from ADC, write all of you. And if you are entering ADC, you do the same. It’s neater that way than reading one name at a time.”
In his resignation letter, Abaribe explained that his decision to leave the ADC was driven by ongoing legal uncertainties surrounding the party. He confirmed his move to the Labour Party.
“Given the uncertainties concerning the ADC party with regard to the multiple lawsuits and court judgements, I have today resigned from the ADC and joined the Labour Party, effective immediately,” Abaribe said.
He further clarified that his exit was not influenced by any internal disagreements.
“This has nothing to do with the leadership and members whom I have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy close and solid relationships with,” he said.
Abaribe’s defection comes just weeks after he had earlier joined the ADC, highlighting the fluid political movements currently playing out ahead of the 2027 elections.
Other senators also announced changes in party affiliation during the session. Victor Umeh formally notified the Senate of his decision to leave the ADC and join the National Democratic Congress (NDC), while Rufai Hanga, the Deputy Minority Whip, disclosed his defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the NDC.
Similar developments were recorded in the House of Representatives, where Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced multiple defections involving lawmakers moving largely from the ADC to the NDC.
Among those who switched parties are Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande, and Munachim Umezuruike.
Others include Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, and Abdulhakeem Ado.
In addition, Leke Abejide defected from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The latest wave of defections underscores the intensifying political realignments as parties and politicians reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.