Akwa Ibom PDP Federal Lawmaker Defects To APC
Hon. Emmanuel Ukoette, a House of Representatives member, representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
His defection letter sent to the House was on Wednesday read by the Speaker, Hon Yakubu Dogara,
According to the letter, Hon Emmanuel cited irreconcilable differences currently battling the PDP for his decision to jump ship.
“It is clear to Nigerians that the PDP is factionalised and therefore, baring members, especially I from engaging my constituents well enough.
“The factions within the party are led by the National Chairman of the Party, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff and Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi.
“The string of legal battles trailing the leadership crisis might end in fiasco and that is not the ideals of the founding fathers and, therefore, my resolve to move to the APC,’’ he said.
Speaking on point of order, the Minority Leader, Hon. Leo Ogor (PDP- Delta), urged the Speaker to declare Ukoette’s seat vacant.
Ogor said Ukoette’s defection move would be challenged in court, adding that democracy was not about jumping from one political party to another.
“My Speaker, this defection will be challenged in the court because it is not true that the PDP is factionalised.
“I urge you to declare Ukoette’s seat vacant, so that he can go back for a fresh election and see if he will win an election on his new platform,’’ he said.
However, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (APC-Lagos), urged to accept the situation with self-control.
“We are in a season of alternative path. One day, we have a swelling of the ranks of the opposition, the other day; we have a depletion of the ranks.
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