ABUJA – Ten National Assembly members from Akwa Ibom State, elected on the platforms of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Young Peoples Party, have concluded plans to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The move follows the high-profile defection of their state governor, Umo Eno, to the APC last Friday, who cited a need to align the oil-rich state with the federal government. The lawmakers include Senators Ekong Sampson and Aniekan Bassey, and eight members of the House of Representatives. They join Senators Neda Imasuen of Edo State and Ahmed Wadada of Nasarawa State, who are also reportedly planning to switch to the APC.
While several of the Akwa Ibom lawmakers confirmed their intentions off-record, the APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, affirmed the planned defections in an interview.
This development occurs as the APC admitted it is actively working to persuade four other PDP governors to join its ranks. The strategy has intensified criticism from opponents who accuse the ruling party of attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
Governor Eno’s defection was celebrated by a high-powered APC delegation led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma. Eno is the second PDP governor to cross over to the APC in recent months, following Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s move in April.