The political tide in Nigeria is far from stable as seven federal lawmakers, all from Akwa Ibom State, switch allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) today at plenary of the House of Representatives.
These defections, coming barely after the state’s governor, Umo Eno, made a similar leap, have stirred fresh debate over loyalty and political survival in Nigeria’s volatile landscape.
The lawmakers—Unyime Idem, Martins Esin, Paul Ekpo, Uduak Alphonsus, Okpolupm Etteh, Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, and Mark Esset—announced their decision at Thursday’s plenary session.
Letters to Speaker Confirm Defections
In separate letters addressed to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, each lawmaker formally communicated their move from the opposition.
No lengthy speeches. No grand declarations. Just letters—and a firm goodbye to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP).
No explanations were offered on the floor, though sources say most of the lawmakers cited “irreconcilable differences” and “better political alignment.”
After Governor’s Switch, Lawmakers Follow
Governor Umo Eno’s recent defection from PDP to APC has clearly sent ripple effects across the state’s political structure.
What was once considered a stronghold of opposition is now crumbling under the weight of defections.
The APC, for its part, has to deal with its own pains of defections as the shadows of the 2027 presidential election begin to cast over the country. On Wednesday, July 2, it lost at least 4 former ministers of the previous regime and political heavyweights, including former Transportation Minister Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
However, with these new additions, the ruling party has strengthened its grip on the House of Representatives—and possibly on Akwa Ibom.
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