A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Akwa Ibom State, Hon Emmanuel Ukoete on Wednesday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ukoete in a letter of notification addressed to the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, stated he was leaving the PDP because of. irreconcilable differences in the party which has led to division in the party.
Ukoete stated that another reason behind his defection was the series of legal battles trailing the leadership crisis.
However, Minority Leader, Hon Leo Ogor (PDP, Delta) said that it is not true that the opposition party is factionalised.
Ogor said the defection of Ukwete will be challenged in court, so that the latter can go back for a fresh election and see if he will win an election on his new platform.
The minority leader added that democracy is not about jumping ship.
Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila in response to Ogor’s comments urged PDP members to accept defection in good faith.
“Indeed, we are in a season of alternate path. One day, we have a swelling of the ranks of the opposition. The other day we have a depletion of the ranks. I understand the feeling of the minority leader. I understand the feeling of the minority leader. But I believe that he should accept the lose and more to come,” Gbajabiamila said.