By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
Twenty-four members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to the All Progressives Congress (APC), leaving only two lawmakers still aligned with the PDP.
The two remaining PDP members; Sunday Johnny (Onna State Constituency), and Uduakobong Ekpo-Ufot (Etinan State Constituency), are believed to be loyalists of former Governor Udom Emmanuel, who has maintained a low profile since his successor, Governor Umo Eno, crossed over to the APC.
The mass defection was formally announced by Speaker Udeme Otong during plenary on Tuesday.
He revealed that 24 out of the 26 lawmakers submitted written notifications of their defection, citing a deep division within the PDP’s national leadership as their reason for leaving.
Quoting Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which allows elected officials to defect in the event of a party crisis, the Speaker said the lawmakers had justified their move based on the disarray at the party’s national level.
“You have each indicated that your defection is not out of political convenience or self-interest,” Otong said, “but arises from a demonstrable division within the national leadership of the PDP; a division which has disrupted party cohesion, derailed policy direction, and hindered your ability to function effectively as lawmakers.”
He emphasized the Assembly’s commitment to democratic values and urged all members, regardless of party affiliation, to remain focused on their legislative duties.
“This House remains a symbol of democracy, and it is our collective responsibility to uphold the integrity of this institution,” he added.
A motion to adopt the Speaker’s remarks and the lawmakers’ defection letters was moved by Lawrence Udoide (Ini), and seconded by Bassey Bassey (Okobo).
