Seven lawmakers from Akwa Ibom State who are members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives have left their old political parties, the PDP and YPP, and joined the ruling APC.
Their letters explaining why they left were read today, July 3, by House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The lawmakers said they were leaving because of ongoing problems inside their former parties that hadn’t been resolved.
Those who moved to the APC include Unyime Idem, Martin Esin, Paul Ekpo, Uduak Alphonsos, Eteh Ikpong, Emmanuel Udom, and Okon Bassey.
It’s important to note that the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, had earlier also moved from the PDP to APC.
In their letters, the lawmakers said they talked to the people they represent before making the decision. They also said the problems inside their parties had gotten worse. For example, Idem, who leads the House Committee on Public Procurement, said he left the PDP after 26 years due to growing issues in party leadership, especially arguments about the position of National Secretary. He mentioned that the law supports his decision under Section 68(1g) of the Constitution.
Martin Esin said he resigned from the PDP officially on June 17. He joined the APC so he could better represent what his people want.
The other lawmakers gave similar reasons. They all said they want to support President Bola Tinubu’s work in bringing progress and development to Nigeria.
