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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 45806, member: 636"] Nearly all lawmakers from Akwa Ibom State switched political parties on Tuesday. Twenty-four members left the Peoples Democratic Party to join the All Progressives Congress. The mass departure left just two representatives with their original party. Sunday Johnny from Onna and Uduakobong Ekpo-Ufot from Etinan stayed with the PDP. Speaker Udeme Otong announced the changes during the legislative session. The departing members blamed serious problems within the PDP leadership structure. They said fights among top party officials made their jobs harder. Lawmakers claimed they could not help their home areas because of party conflicts. The disputes affected how policies were made and carried out. Representatives felt they had no choice but to find a new political home. Otong used the Nigerian Constitution to explain why the moves were legal. He said Section 109 allows such changes when parties have major splits. The speaker noted that lawmakers did not leave for personal gain. Their letters showed real divisions hurt the party and their work. Constitutional rules protect representatives when parties break apart. The speaker reminded everyone that the legislature serves all people regardless of party ties. He said making good laws matters more than political labels. Lawmakers must focus on helping Akwa Ibom residents above everything else. The assembly represents democracy and must stay strong. Political changes cannot stop the important work of government. Lawrence Udoide made a motion to accept all the party switches. Bassey Bassey supported his proposal. The assembly voted to approve the defections officially. The new party makeup takes effect right away. Most state representatives have joined the ruling party. [/QUOTE]

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