Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-udo, PhD, has officially announced his defection from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal party instability and a higher call to national alignment.
Speaking at a widely anticipated press briefing in Ikono on Thursday, the two-term lawmaker representing Ikono-Ini Federal Constituency explained that his decision followed “a season of sincere consideration, prayer, and wide consultation.” He attributed the move to the YPP’s prolonged state-level crisis, marked by suspensions, expulsions, and the recent dissolution of the party’s state working committee.
“The divisions have deepened, and sadly, the crisis persists,” he said. “I have come to a point where I must choose between standing still in conflict or stepping forward into a more stable environment.”
Ukpong-Udo emphasized that his realignment with the APC is neither opportunistic nor self-serving but strategically positioned to enhance developmental outcomes for his constituency. He cited his commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, the stabilizing legislative leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno’s unifying strides in Akwa Ibom as catalysts for his decision.
“I stand for loyalty, clarity, and purposeful alignment – not mixed signals,” he declared. “Our voice will be stronger, our seat at the table more secure, and our demands harder to ignore.”
He reassured constituents that existing empowerment programmes would remain unaffected, with the 8th phase set to launch in the coming weeks, delivering initiatives worth approximately ₦1 billion across the constituency. All Empowerment Cards remain valid through 2027.
In closing, Ukpong-Udo expressed deep gratitude to his supporters in the YPP and reaffirmed his commitment to the Ikono-Ini people. “My loyalty remains first and foremost with you,” he said. “This is a forward-looking step for Ikono-Ini.”
The event was well-attended by political stakeholders, allies, supporters, and the good people of the Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency. Rt. Hon. Udo Keirian, who represented Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, was also present.
©Aniekan Eka
