Akwa Ibom Lawmaker Esset Mark Udo Dumps PDP for APC Amid Party Crisis

In a bold political move that underscores the deepening fissures within the Akwa Ibom State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Esset Mark Udo, the House of Representatives member representing the Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Asutan/Ibesikpo federal constituency of Akwa Ibom State, has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Udo made the announcement during plenary on Tuesday, July 22, marking a significant shift in the political dynamics of Akwa Ibom and adding weight to the ruling party’s growing influence.

Udo attributed his decision to the ongoing internal crisis plaguing the PDP at the national level. According to him, the division and irreconcilable differences within the party have made it impossible to continue functioning effectively under its platform. He stressed that his defection was a matter of principle and survival in a political environment where clarity and alignment are key to legislative performance and political relevance.

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Speaking during plenary, Udo clarified that despite changing political allegiance, his core responsibilities as a lawmaker would remain unaffected. He assured his constituents that he would continue to represent their interests diligently and transparently under his new party umbrella.

“My legislative commitments to the people of Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Asutan/Ibesikpo remain intact,” Udo declared. “This move is about political alignment, not abandoning my duty.”

The APC, already buoyed by recent high-profile endorsements, including that of President Bola Tinubu by Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, welcomed Udo’s defection as further validation of its growing popularity and organizational strength. The party’s leadership stated that Udo’s decision is a reflection of what many see as a sinking ship within the PDP.

In a sharp reaction to criticisms from the PDP regarding President Tinubu’s 2027 election prospects, the APC fired back with scathing remarks, dismissing the PDP’s relevance in the current political climate.

Bala Ibrahim, the Director of Publicity for the APC, compared the opposition party to a mentally unstable person unfit to comment on matters of mental health. “The PDP is politically comatose, lingering in the Intensive Care Unit. How can such a party assess the competence of a sitting President who enjoys overwhelming support from patriotic Nigerians?” Ibrahim asked.

This rebuttal came in response to comments made by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, who claimed that President Tinubu is a “bad market” and would be roundly rejected by voters in 2027. Ologunagba also declared that the PDP remains the only party with the capability to defeat the APC at the national level.

However, the APC insists that the PDP is no longer in a position to offer credible opposition, citing internal disunity and a lack of strategic vision. Ibrahim noted that Tinubu has not only stabilized the government but is also implementing policies that are beginning to yield visible benefits across sectors.

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Esset Mark Udo’s defection has reignited debate over party loyalty, the state of opposition politics in Nigeria, and the evolving strength of President Tinubu’s APC ahead of 2027. Analysts see Udo’s move as a signal of broader undercurrents that may trigger additional defections in the months ahead, especially if the PDP fails to resolve its internal strife.

President Tinubu’s name continues to dominate the political narrative—either as the focal point of opposition attacks or the anchor for party unity within the APC. With Adeleke’s endorsement in Osun and Udo’s switch in Akwa Ibom, Tinubu’s influence appears to be growing beyond the traditional APC strongholds.

Meanwhile, the PDP must contend not only with the fallout from Udo’s departure but also with the larger perception of a party in disarray. Despite its bold rhetoric and claims of national appeal, the PDP is increasingly seen as struggling to maintain its grip, both in public perception and internal cohesion.

Udo’s defection and the surrounding controversy may well serve as a litmus test for how much sway the APC and President Tinubu hold as the 2027 elections approach—and how the PDP intends to rebuild and respond in a politically unforgiving environment.