Akwa Ibom lawmakers defect APC as 24 of 26 House members cite PDP crisis, leaving only two loyal to former Governor Udom Emmanuel
Akwa Ibom lawmakers defect APC en masse, leaving only two members of the State House of Assembly still aligned with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Also read: Ahmed Kaita Urges Vibrant Opposition As PDP Crumbles Under Mass Defections
The political shift comes after 24 out of 26 lawmakers formally declared their allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing deep divisions within the PDP’s national leadership.
The two remaining PDP lawmakers — Sunday Johnny (Onna State Constituency) and Uduakobong Ekpo-Ufot (Etinan State Constituency) — are reportedly loyal to former Governor Udom Emmanuel, who has remained silent following the recent defection of his successor, Governor Umo Eno, to the APC.
Announcing the mass defection during Tuesday’s plenary, Speaker Udeme Otong said the lawmakers based their decision on Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which permits elected officials to switch parties when their original party experiences internal conflict.
“It is upon this constitutional provision that I have weighed your written submissions,” Speaker Otong said.
You have each indicated that your defection is not out of political convenience or self-interest but arises from a demonstrable division within the national leadership of the PDP.
“You have each indicated that your defection is not out of political convenience or self-interest but arises from a demonstrable division within the national leadership of the PDP. A division which, by your account, has affected party cohesion, disrupted policy direction, and hindered your ability to function as an effective lawmaker.”
He reaffirmed the legislative chamber’s commitment to democratic values and urged all members to prioritise their duties to constituents regardless of political affiliation.
“This House remains a symbol of democracy, and it is our collective responsibility to uphold the integrity of the legislative institution,” he added.
A motion to adopt the speaker’s remarks and the letters of defection was moved by Lawrence Udoide (Ini) and seconded by Bassey Bassey (Okobo), further cementing the assembly’s new APC-majority status.
Also read: Godswill Akpabio Predicts Rivers, Bayelsa Defection to APC
As Akwa Ibom lawmakers defect APC, the development marks a significant realignment in state politics, weakening the PDP’s dominance in a state it once firmly controlled.
