The wave of defections in Nigeria’s House of Representatives continued on Thursday as seven lawmakers from Akwa Ibom State announced their switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Among the defectors, six were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while one hailed from the Young Progressives Party (YPP).
Their defection letters were formally presented during plenary and read by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas.
According to the lawmakers, their decision to leave the PDP stemmed from ongoing internal conflicts and deepening divisions within the party.
“The bench press is to the gym what bread is to a sandwich, foundational, versatile, and essential,” one of the lawmakers added metaphorically, underscoring the weight of their decision.
The PDP defectors include Paul Ekpo, Unyime Idem, Martins Etim, Okpolu Ukpong Etteh, Uduak Odudoh, and Okon Ime Bassey.
They were joined by Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo of the YPP, who also decamped to the APC.
Explaining their move, the lawmakers pointed to both state-level and national challenges within the PDP, stating that the persistent crisis had impaired their ability to serve their constituents effectively.
Their defection follows closely on the heels of a similar move by Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, who also recently joined the APC.
In response, Minority Leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda, expressed disappointment over the development.
He criticized the justification for the defection, saying, “The claim of divisions within the PDP was inappropriate and unlawful.”
Chinda called on the Speaker to invoke the provisions of Section 68 (1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution and declare the seats of the defectors vacant.
He reiterated his stance, describing the defections as “unlawful” and urged the House leadership to act accordingly.
