In a significant political shift, 24 members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress. However, two lawmakers, Sunday Johnny from Onna State Constituency and Uduakobong Ekpo-Ufot from Etinan State Constituency, have chosen to remain loyal to the PDP.
These two lawmakers are reportedly aligned with former Governor Udom Emmanuel, who has not publicly commented since his successor, Governor Umo Eno, joined the APC. During a plenary session, Speaker Udeme Otong announced that 24 out of the 26 assembly members had switched parties, citing internal divisions within the PDP’s national leadership as the driving force behind their decision.
Otong referenced Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which permits elected officials to defect in response to internal party crises. He emphasized that the defectors claimed their decision was not motivated by political convenience but rather by significant divisions affecting party unity and legislative effectiveness.
The Speaker urged all lawmakers to focus on their responsibilities, regardless of party affiliation, and a motion to accept the defection letters was moved and seconded during the session.
