PDP Hit by Wave of Defections as 12 Lawmakers, Governors Join APC

By Iyojo Ameh

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a major political shakeup as 12 lawmakers and several governors have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in what analysts describe as a significant blow to the opposition party.

In a major development, 10 National Assembly members from Akwa Ibom State—formerly of the PDP and Young Progressives Party (YPP)—have switched allegiance to the APC, aligning with Governor Umo Eno, who also recently joined the ruling party.

Governor Eno announced his defection following what he described as “three months of wide consultations” with political stakeholders. The move, he said, was aimed at fostering inclusive governance in the state.

The defection has not come without friction. Three commissioners in Eno’s cabinet have resigned in protest, while former Governor Udom Emmanuel declined to attend the defection event, publicly reaffirming his loyalty to the PDP.

In a related development, Senators Neda Imasuen (Edo) and Ahmed Wadada (Nasarawa) are also expected to formally announce their departures from the Labour Party (LP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), respectively.

APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, confirmed the developments, noting that nearly all Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly members are poised to join the APC. According to party insiders, official defection letters will be presented when the National Assembly reconvenes on June 17.

Among the defectors are Senators Ekong Sampson and Aniekan Bassey; House of Representatives members Okpolupm Etteh, Paul Asuquo, Alphonsus Uduak, Ime Bassey, Martins Esin, Unyime Idem, and Mark Esset. Emmanuel Ukpongudo of the YPP is also among those crossing over to the APC.

One of the lawmakers, who declined to be named, said: “We left with the governor on June 6… including one YPP member. There was no pressure from any angle.”

The defections have significantly bolstered APC’s strength in the National Assembly, bringing the party’s numbers to 68 senators and 207 members in the House of Representatives.

However, reactions have been mixed across PDP strongholds. The party’s Bauchi chapter described Governor Eno’s defection as a “betrayal,” while PDP leaders in Taraba dismissed speculation that Governor Agbu Kefas is considering a move to the APC.

Meanwhile, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has publicly vowed to remain with the PDP, even as attention turns to Plateau, where Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s next move is being closely watched.