In a major political shake-up, 24 out of the 26 members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing deepening divisions within the PDP’s national leadership.
The defection was officially announced during Tuesday’s plenary session by the Speaker of the House, Udeme Otong, who said the mass exodus was anchored on Section 109 (1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution.
The section permits elected legislators to change parties if there is a clear division within their original party.
However, two lawmakers, Sunday Johnny (Onna State Constituency) and Uduakobong Ekpo-Ufot (Etinan State Constituency) refused to join their colleagues in defecting to the APC.
The two legislators are known political loyalists of former Governor Udom Emmanuel, who has yet to make a public statement since his successor, Governor Umo Eno, had also reportedly switched allegiance to the APC.
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Speaker Otong said the legislators’ decision was guided by constitutional provisions and rooted in the prevailing crisis within the PDP.
“It is upon this constitutional provision that I have weighed your written submissions,” 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, a division which, by your account, has affected party cohesion, disrupted policy direction, and hindered your ability to function as effective lawmakers,” the speaker said.
He added that the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly remains a symbol of democracy and urged his colleagues to prioritize their legislative responsibilities irrespective of party lines.
Following the speaker’s remarks, a motion to adopt the defection letters was moved by Lawrence Udoide (Ini State Constituency) and seconded by Bassey Bassey (Okobo State Constituency).
The motion was unanimously adopted by the House.
The defection marks a significant realignment in Akwa Ibom politics, especially as the state has been a stronghold of the PDP since 1999.
With Gov. Eno and nearly the entire legislative arm now under the APC, the future of the PDP in the state remains uncertain.