Two members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly have remained in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), even as 24 of their colleagues have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The two lawmakers — Sunday Johnny (Onna State Constituency) and Uduakobong Ekpo-Ufot (Etinan State Constituency) — are said to be loyalists of former Governor Udom Emmanuel, who has maintained silence since his successor, Governor Umo Eno, defected to the APC.
Speaker of the House, Udeme Otong, disclosed during Tuesday’s plenary that 24 out of the 26 members had formally defected to the APC, citing divisions within the PDP’s national leadership.
Otong said the lawmakers relied on Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which allows elected officials to defect in cases of internal party crisis.
He said, “It is upon this constitutional provision that I have weighed your written submissions.
“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.
“A division which, by your account, has affected party cohesion, disrupted policy direction, and hindered your ability to function as an effective lawmaker.
“Let me state here that this House remains a symbol of democracy, and it is our collective responsibility to uphold the integrity of the legislative institution.”
The speaker urged all lawmakers to remain focused on their legislative responsibilities regardless of party affiliation.
A motion to adopt the speaker’s remarks and the defection letters was moved by Lawrence Udoide (Ini) and seconded by Bassey Bassey (Okobo).
