7 Akwa Ibom reps defect from PDP, YPP to APC

Six members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the house of representatives from Akwa Ibom State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers are Unyime Idem, representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency; Esin Etim, representing Mbo/Okobo/Oron/Udung Uko/Urue federal constituency; and Ekpo Asuquo who represents Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium federal constituency.

Their letters of defection were read on the floor of the House on Thursday by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen during plenary.

The lawmakers cited deepening crises within their parties as the reason for their defection.

They claimed to have consulted with their constituents before making the decision.

Meanwhile, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda expressed concern over the implications of the mass defection 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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