Seven members of the House of Representatives from Akwa Ibom State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing ongoing leadership challenges within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as their reason for the switch.
The defections were formally announced on the floor of the House of Representatives by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during Thursday’s plenary session.
The six PDP lawmakers who defected include Unyime Idem (Ukanafun/Oruk Anam), Esin Etim (Mbo/Okobo/Oron/Udung Uko/Urue), Ekpo Asuquo (Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium), Uduak Odudoh (Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo), Okpolupm Etteh (Eket/Esit Eket/Ibeno/Onna), and Okon Bassey (Itu/Ibiono Ibom). Additionally, Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, representing Ikono/Ini federal constituency, defected from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the APC.
Speaking shortly after the announcement, Unyime Idem said, “The leadership crisis within the PDP has made it difficult for us to effectively serve our constituents. We believe the APC offers a platform where we can better pursue the development agenda of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria at large.”
The defections come in the wake of Governor Umo Eno’s recent switch from the PDP to the APC in June, signaling a growing political shift in the state.
However, the move was met with strong criticism from the PDP Minority Leader in the House, Kingsley Chinda, who condemned the lawmakers for abandoning the party that sponsored their election.
Chinda argued, “Defecting from the party that gave you the mandate undermines the very foundations of our democracy.
“The Supreme Court has provided clarity on what constitutes a legitimate division within a party, and currently, no such crisis exists within the PDP.”
He further warned, “Such defections are not about ideology or principles; they are driven by opportunism and personal interests.”
With these defections, Mark Esset, representing Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Asutan/Ibesikpo federal constituency, remains the only PDP member from Akwa Ibom in the House of Representatives.
The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, urged all lawmakers to respect the rights of their colleagues to change political affiliations but called for unity and focus on national development.
“As elected representatives, the people have entrusted us with their mandates, and we must remain committed to serving their interests, regardless of party,” Abbas said.
