On Thursday, seven members of the House of Representatives from Akwa Ibom State officially defected from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The group includes lawmakers originally elected under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP).
The defectors—Unyime Idem, Martin Esin, Paul Ekpo, Uduak Alphonsos, Eteh Ikpong, Emmanuel Udom, and Okon Bassey—submitted separate letters to the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, formally notifying him of their decision to join the APC.
This political shift follows closely on the heels of Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, who recently left the PDP to join the APC, signaling a significant realignment within the state’s political landscape. The timing of these defections suggests a coordinated move that could influence the dynamics of upcoming elections.
Okay.ng reports that this development may strengthen the APC’s foothold in Akwa Ibom, traditionally a PDP stronghold, potentially altering the balance of power within both the state and the National Assembly.