Seven members of the House of Representatives from Akwa Ibom State have dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Young Progressive Party (YPP), announcing their defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Their letters of defection were formally presented to Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, on Wednesday, July 3, marking a seismic shift in the state’s political alignment.
The lawmakers cited lingering internal crises and leadership instability within their former parties as the major catalysts behind their decision. They claimed that these unresolved issues had significantly hindered their ability to deliver effective representation to their constituents. The defectors are; Hon. Unyime Idem, Hon. Martin Esin, Hon. Paul Ekpo, Hon. Uduak Alphonsos, Hon. Eteh Ikpong, Hon. Emmanuel Udom, and Hon. Okon Bassey, said the decision followed wide consultations with their constituents who had grown disillusioned with the internal wrangling in the PDP and YPP.
Their mass defection comes on the heels of a similar move by Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, who recently exited the PDP for the APC. The wave of departures is being seen as part of a growing realignment that could upend the political dynamics in the oil-rich state ahead of the 2027 elections.
Related Articles:
- Akwa Ibom APC leaders petition Tinubu, warn party faces total collapse
- Akwa Ibom APC crisis deepens
- 24 Akwa Ibom legislators’ defect to APC amid PDP crisis
Hon. Unyime Idem, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Procurement, highlighted his deep ties to the PDP, having served the party for over 26 years. But he said the party’s escalating leadership tussles, particularly issues surrounding the National Secretary position, had left him no choice but to walk away. Citing Section 68(1g) of the Nigerian Constitution, Idem insisted that his defection was within the bounds of the law.
Hon. Martin Esin disclosed that he officially resigned from the PDP on June 17, aligning his decision with the overwhelming calls from his constituents to embrace a more stable and visionary political platform. Echoing similar sentiments, other defectors pledged their full support to President Bola Tinubu’s administration and expressed readiness to contribute to policies and legislation that would drive national development and deepen democratic dividends.