In a significant political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, seven members of the House of Representatives from Akwa Ibom State have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made during Thursday’s plenary session, where Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read the lawmakers’ defection letters on the floor of the House. The move was led by Hon. Unyime Idem, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Procurement and leader of the Akwa Ibom caucus.
In their letters, the lawmakers cited deepening internal crises within their former parties and the need to align with the aspirations of their constituents. Hon. Idem, who has served the PDP for 26 years, referenced Section 68 (1g) of the Constitution to justify the defection, pointing to unresolved leadership disputes, particularly over the office of the National Secretary.
The APC National Chairman welcomed the new members, describing their defection as “a bold step toward national unity and progressive governance.” He added that the party remains committed to delivering democratic dividends under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Meanwhile, Minority Leader Hon. Kingsley Chinda expressed concern over the implications of the mass defection, urging the Speaker to uphold constitutional provisions regarding party-switching by elected officials.