Seven members of the House of Representatives from Akwa Ibom State have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Young Progressive Party (YPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing unresolved internal crises in their former parties.
Their letters of defection, led by the leader of the Akwa Ibom caucus in the House, Unyime Idem, were read on the floor of the House on Thursday by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen during plenary.
The defecting lawmakers include Alphonsus Uduak, Martin Esin, Paul Ekpo, Okpolupm Ette, and Bassey Okon—all from the PDP—and Emmanuel Ukpong of the YPP.
In their letters, the lawmakers said their decision followed due consultations with constituents and was prompted by deepening crises within their parties. Idem, who chairs the House Committee on Public Procurement, noted he was leaving the PDP after 26 years of service due to escalating leadership issues, particularly over the office of the National Secretary. He cited Section 68(1g) of the Constitution to justify his defection.
Similarly, Martin Esin said he officially resigned from the PDP on June 17 and joined the APC to align with the aspirations of his constituents.
Other defectors echoed similar sentiments, stressing their resolve to support President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in delivering democratic dividends to Nigerians.
Reacting, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda expressed concern over the implications of the mass defection, warning of its effect on Nigeria’s democracy.
He acknowledged lawmakers’ right to freedom of association under Section 40 of the Constitution but urged the Speaker to act in accordance with the Constitution by declaring the affected seats vacant.
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