The political realignments ahead of 2027 continue to reshape Nigeria’s National Assembly as six members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday.
The lawmakers—all from Akwa Ibom State—include Unyime Idem (Ukanafun/Oruk Anam), Esin Etim (Mbo/Okobo/Oron/Udung Uko/Urue), Ekpo Asuquo (Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium), Uduak Odudoh (Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo), Okpolupm Etteh (Eket/Esit Eket/Ibeno/Onna), and Okon Bassey (Itu/Ibiono Ibom). Their defection marks a significant blow to the PDP’s influence in the South-South region.
They were joined by Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, a Young Progressives Party (YPP) lawmaker representing Ikono/Ini federal constituency, who also declared for the APC.
This latest wave of defections comes barely a day after the launch of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by a coalition of opposition forces—an event that has further fragmented the PDP’s already shaky base. While some PDP leaders are gravitating toward the ADC, others are choosing to align with the ruling party, deepening speculation that the PDP may struggle to hold its ground in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
Though no official reason was immediately given for the lawmakers’ defection, insiders suggest frustration with internal party divisions and concerns about political survival in a rapidly shifting landscape.
With momentum clearly shifting, the defections signal not just the erosion of PDP’s parliamentary presence—but the growing consolidation of the APC as it positions itself for continued dominance.
