Abuja — The lawmaker representing Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mark Udo Esset, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Esset, who chairs the House Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Relations, announced his decision on Tuesday in a letter read during plenary by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu. He attributed his defection to internal crises within the PDP.
His move was met with opposition from the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, who cited constitutional provisions and urged the Deputy Speaker to declare Esset’s seat vacant. However, Kalu ruled him out of order.
Esset’s defection is the latest in a wave of political shifts ahead of the 2027 general elections. It follows the recent defection of seven lawmakers from Akwa Ibom State to the APC — six from the PDP and one from the Young Progressives Party (YPP).
Among those who previously switched parties are Unyime Idem (Ukanafun/Oruk Anam), Esin Etim (Mbo/Okobo/Oron/Udung Uko/Urue Offong/Oruko), 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).
The defections underscore the ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s political landscape as the 2027 polls draw closer.
