In a notable political development on Thursday, seven lawmakers from Akwa Ibom State’s delegation in the House of Representatives have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party at the federal level. These representatives, initially elected under the banners of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP), formally declared their defection through letters addressed to the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.
The lawmakers involved are Unyime Idem, Martin Esin, Paul Ekpo, Uduak Alphonsos, Eteh Ikpong, Emmanuel Udom, and Okon Bassey. Their move comes shortly after the state’s governor, Umo Eno, also switched allegiance from the PDP to the APC, indicating a broader shift within Akwa Ibom’s political elite.
This wave of defections could have significant implications for the political balance in Akwa Ibom and may impact the strategies of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. The APC’s growing influence in the state might reshape electoral outcomes and governance priorities.
The development underscores ongoing realignments in Nigerian politics as politicians recalibrate their affiliations in response to changing political currents.