Ten lawmakers from Akwa Ibom State have declared their intention to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking another significant shift in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. These defections come just days after Governor Umo Eno officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s APC government.
Those planning to defect include Senators Ekong Sampson and Aniekan Bassey, along with eight members of the House of Representatives: Okpolupm Etteh, Paul Asuquo, Alphonsus Uduak, Ime Bassey, Martins Esin, Unyime Idem, Mark Esset, and Emmanuel Ukpongudo of the Young Peoples Party (YPP). Their decision, they say, was not due to pressure, but a shared political direction with Governor Eno.
Eno confirmed his decision at a public event in Uyo, saying, “I have decided to progressively move to the APC. Our government has always been an inclusive government, which will never change.” He added that his move came after “three months of wide consultations” with stakeholders in Akwa Ibom.
Sources close to the lawmakers said their defection letters would be formally presented when the National Assembly resumes on June 17. For now, their decisions have been made behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, the APC continues to attract other big names. Senator Neda Imasuen of the Labour Party representing Edo South has announced plans to leave his party, blaming internal disorder in the LP. “I will be leaving the Labour Party to the APC as the current disarray in the LP will not help me achieve my aim for my people,” he said in Benin City.
In Nasarawa, Senator Ahmed Wadada is expected to move from the Social Democratic Party to the APC. While he hasn’t made his next step public, insiders say his discomfort with former Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s entrance into the SDP played a major role. Wadada had said, “I cannot be part of a political platform where there is no ideological direction and where personal ambition overrides collective interest.”
APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, confirmed that the party was actively engaging with lawmakers and even governors from opposition parties. He noted that most of Akwa Ibom’s state assembly members were also on board, with only a few still undecided. “For us, Akwa Ibom is now a clean sweep,” he said.
In addition to Akwa Ibom, the APC has its sights set on other PDP strongholds. Governors from Adamawa, Plateau, Osun, and Bayelsa are reportedly under watch, as the ruling party seeks to expand its influence before the 2027 elections. Fears of a slide toward a one-party system have been voiced by critics, but the APC insists the movement is organic.
Not all PDP governors are shifting though. In Bauchi, the PDP leadership slammed Governor Eno’s defection, calling it a betrayal. The state party’s publicity secretary, Dayyabu Ciroma, said, “Eno has been romancing the APC since his swearing-in.”
Taraba’s PDP chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, also dismissed talk of defection by Governor Agbu Kefas. He stated, “Taraba State is the stronghold of PDP in northern Nigeria.”
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has also denied any plans to leave the PDP. His spokesperson, Mustafa Kaura, said the governor “has no intention of joining any other party.”
In Plateau State, there’s no official move yet from Governor Caleb Mutfwang. The state’s APC chairman said he wasn’t aware of any discussions to woo the governor, though he’d be welcomed if he decided to join.
Senator Imasuen’s decision has already drawn a reaction from his former party. Labour Party chairman in Edo, Kelly Ogbaloi, said, “It is confirmed that Senator Neda Imasuen is moving to the APC. We were consulted… but it appears that he is very certain.”
Edo APC Secretary Lawrence Okah said Imasuen’s move reflected the ruling party’s strong performance. “Other notable politicians will join the APC on that day, as we hope that more will join after June 12,” he said.
