In a significant political shake-up, seven members of the House of Representatives from Akwa Ibom State on Thursday announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmakers formalized their decision in separate letters addressed to the Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary at the National Assembly.
The defecting lawmakers include:
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Unyime Idem
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Martin Esin
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Paul Ekpo
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Uduak Alphonsos
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Eteh Ikpong
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Emmanuel Udom
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Okon Bassey
The move signals a growing momentum for the APC in Akwa Ibom, a state traditionally considered a stronghold of the PDP. The defections come just weeks after Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom stunned political observers by also decamping from the PDP to the APC.
Political analysts say the wave of defections could significantly reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the APC poised to consolidate power in the South-South region.
Cross River APC Chairman Warns Against Challenging Governor Otu
Meanwhile, in neighboring Cross River State, APC Chairman Alphonsus Eba has issued a stern warning to party members considering contesting against Governor Bassey Otu in the party’s 2027 governorship primary.
Speaking at a grand “Thank You” rally and reception held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, Eba declared that the party will not tolerate any internal opposition to Governor Otu’s re-election bid. He threatened expulsion for any party member who challenges the governor in the upcoming primaries.
The event, organized by members of the Southern Senatorial District, served as a show of strength and solidarity for both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Otu. Party faithful in attendance pledged full support for their re-election campaigns.
“The APC stands firmly behind President Tinubu and Governor Otu,” Eba said. “Their performance in the past year has earned them the party’s vote of confidence. We will not permit distractions from within.”
The twin developments in Akwa Ibom and Cross River underscore the APC’s strategy to consolidate its presence in the South-South, a region that could prove pivotal in the next national election cycle.