Akwa Ibom lawmakers defect APC, citing internal crises in PDP and YPP. Move increases APC’s strength to 220 seats in House of Representatives
Akwa Ibom lawmakers defect APC in a move that has sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s political landscape.
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Seven members of the House of Representatives six formerly of the Peoples Democratic Party and one from the Young Progressives Party officially joined the All Progressives Congress on Thursday.
The defection was announced during plenary by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, increasing the APC’s numbers in the 360-member lower chamber to 220.
The lawmakers who crossed over include Unyime Idem representing Ukanafun/Orukanam, Martins Etim of Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Urue Offong/Oruko/Udung Uko, Paul Asuquo of Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium, Uduak Odudoh from Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo, Etteh Ikpong representing Eket/Onna/Esit Eket/Ibeno, and Okon Ime Bassey from Itu/Ibiono Ibom. Emmanuel Udo, the sole YPP member representing Ikono/Ini, also joined the ruling party.
All seven cited unresolved internal crises in their former parties. For the PDP lawmakers, the ongoing dispute over the National Secretary position and factional power struggles proved too chaotic to bear.
The defectors stated in their letters that these divisions had become irreconcilable, referencing Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution to justify their exits.
The YPP lawmaker also noted similar leadership conflicts within his party, which he described as detrimental to effective representation.
This development follows a grand rally held in June, where Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno officially joined the APC.
At the rally, he confirmed that federal and state lawmakers from Akwa Ibom had joined him in leaving their former political platforms behind.
“I did not join the APC alone. All our lawmakers at both federal and state levels have also made the decision to join the APC with me,” Governor Eno said at the rally, which was attended by top APC leaders including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Reacting to the news on the House floor, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda of the PDP voiced his objection.
Citing constitutional provisions, Chinda reminded the House that defections are only valid under specific conditions.
“The laws should be applied, and the law is clear about what should happen when an elected member defects,” Chinda said, referencing the same section of the Constitution the defectors had used to defend their move.
He argued that the Supreme Court had clarified that internal disputes must be so fundamental that the party is visibly fractured — a condition he believes does not apply to the PDP at present.
“There is no recognised division within the PDP,” Chinda insisted. “This action undermines the sanctity of our electoral system.”
The Speaker acknowledged Chinda’s point of order but did not issue an immediate ruling on whether the seats would be declared vacant or whether further action would be taken.
“This is a legal and procedural matter, and I will consult with the relevant authorities before making a pronouncement,” Abbas said during plenary.
Political analysts say the move further consolidates APC’s dominance in the House and could influence legislative outcomes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, questions remain about the constitutional implications and the likelihood of court challenges from affected parties.
“It’s not just about the numbers,” said Abuja-based analyst Tunde Ogunlana. “This kind of mass defection also raises questions about ideology, party loyalty, and the legal framework governing Nigerian politics.”
For now, Akwa Ibom’s political allegiance at the federal level appears firmly in APC’s column. Whether this translates into lasting support among constituents remains to be seen.
Also read: PDP Warns Defecting Members, Says It’s Watching and Will Act in Time
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the political chessboard ahead of 2027 has just shifted dramatically.
