In a dramatic political shift, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has gained control of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly following the defection of 24 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The move, which took place on Thursday, leaves the PDP with only two remaining members in the 26-member legislature, effectively stripping the party of its majority status.
According to reports, the mass defection was confirmed during Thursday’s plenary session, where Speaker of the House, Elder Udeme Otong, acknowledged the receipt of resignation letters from the defecting lawmakers.
The legislators cited unresolved internal crises within the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) as the primary reason for their decision to join the ruling APC.
Of the 26 PDP lawmakers previously in the Assembly, only two—Hon. Uduak Ekpo-Ufot (Etinan State Constituency) and Hon. Sunday Johnny (Onna State Constituency)—chose to remain in the now-opposition party.
Their refusal to defect is believed to be tied to their loyalty to former Governor Udom Emmanuel, who reportedly played a key role in their elections.
Following the political realignment, Speaker Otong announced immediate changes in the House leadership structure. Hon. Sunday Johnny, who had served as House Leader, was relieved of his position due to the PDP’s new minority status. In his place, the Speaker appointed Hon. Effiong Johnson, Chief Whip and representative of Mbo State Constituency, to act as interim House Leader until a permanent replacement is selected.
Meanwhile, the APC’s strengthened position in the Assembly is expected to bolster the party’s influence in the state’s legislative affairs, potentially paving the way for smoother policy implementation under the current administration.
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