Ex-Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor Valerie Ebe and a former lawmaker, who represented Akwa Ibom South, Senator Eme Ekaette, have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
They defected with their supporters.
The women-politicians, who made history as the first female deputy governor and first female senator from the state in 2012 and 2007, defected at the Eket Senatorial District rally to endorse President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term and honour Mr. Nsima Ekere, the managing director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Eket.
Mr. Enobong Umoetuk, a former commissioner for Special Duties, was among the defectors.
Senator Ekaette criticised the non-performance of the PDP state government, attributing it to bad leadership.
APC National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, represented by the National Vice Chairman, Southsouth, Prince Hilliard Ettah, hailed the defectors for taking a wise decision
He said he was elated by the growth of APC in the zone, noting that from one senator in 2015, APC now has eight senators.