By: Tanimu Salihu
Seven lawmakers from Akwa Ibom State, including six members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and one member of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Lawmakers from the Green Chamber announced their defection to the APC in the floor of the House, a day after the Opposition Parties officially launched a coalition on the Platform of ADC ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reading their defection letters in the floor of the house by the Speaker House of Representatives Dr Abbas Tajudeen, the defected lawmakers cited crises and factionalisation in the party, as reasons for their decision.
They expressed commitment to contributing to the APC’s success in future elections.
The lawmakers are Idem Unyime PDP, Esin Martins Etim PDP, Paul Ekpo PDP, Uduak Odudoh PDP, Okpolupm Etteh PDP, Okon Bassey PDP and Emmanuel Ekon from the YPP.
However, the House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda criticized the defection, describing it as unconstitutional and a threat to Nigeria’s democratic system.
Citing recent Supreme Court judgment, Mr. Chinda argued that the PDP has no divisions or factions, and therefore, the defected lawmakers’ seats should be declared vacant.
