Seven Akwa Ibom members in the House of Representatives have decamped from PDP and YPP to the APC
The majority party, All Progressive Congress (APC) in the House of Representatives on Thursday gained new members from opposition parties.
Seven members from Akwa Ibom state defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Young Progressive Party (YPP) to the ruling APC, citing unresolved internal crises in their former parties.
Their letters of defection were read on the floor of the House by the Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during plenary.
The defecting lawmakers include Rep. Unyime Idem, Rep. Alphonsus Uduak, Rep. Martin Esin, Rep. Paul Ekpo, Rep. Okpolupm Etteh, and Rep. Bassey Okon, all from the PDP and Emmanuel Ukpong from the YPP.
In their letters, the lawmakers explained that their decision to defect was made after extensive consultations with their constituents and was driven by escalating internal crises within their parties.
Idem, chairman of the House committee on public procurement on his part, announced his departure from the PDP after 26 years, citing worsening leadership disputes—especially regarding the tussle over the office of the national secretary. He referenced Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution to justify his move.
The other defectors expressed similar concerns, emphasising their commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration in its drive to deliver democratic dividends to Nigerians.
Reacting to the development, Minority Leader Rep. Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers), voiced concern over the potential impact of the mass defections on Nigeria’s democratic stability.
While affirming that lawmakers have the right to freedom of association as guaranteed under section 40 of the constitution, he urged the speaker to uphold constitutional provisions by declaring the seats of the defecting members vacant.
