24 Akwa Ibom Lawmakers Defect to APC, Two Loyalists Stay with Ex-Governor Udom
In Akwa Ibom State, 24 of the 26 members of the State House of Assembly have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), leaving just two lawmakers behind — both reportedly loyal to former Governor Udom Emmanuel.
Those who declined to follow the exodus are Sunday Johnny of Onna and Uduakobong Ekpo-Ufot of Etinan. Their continued loyalty to the PDP is seen as a reflection of their alignment with Udom Emmanuel, who has kept silent since his successor, Governor Umo Eno, made a surprise switch to the APC.
During Tuesday’s plenary, Speaker Udeme Otong confirmed that the mass defection was formally backed by Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which permits such moves if there’s a division in a political party’s national structure.
“You have each indicated that your defection is not out of political convenience or self-interest but arises from a demonstrable division within the national leadership of the PDP,” Otong said.
He added that the rift has disrupted party cohesion and hampered lawmakers’ effectiveness.
While the speaker urged all members to maintain legislative focus regardless of party lines, the absence of any clear comment from Udom Emmanuel or Governor Eno continues to fuel speculation about deeper realignments in the state’s political future.
The motion to adopt the defection letters and the speaker’s remarks was moved by Lawrence Udoide (Ini) and seconded by Bassey Bassey (Okobo).
