A former member of the House of Representatives in the 9th National Assembly, Mr Eta Mbora, on Thursday in Calabar, Cross Rivers State, joined the growing list of former federal lawmakers defecting to the African Democratic Congress.
Mbora, who represented Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency, cited the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party as the reason for his action.
He explained that the prolonged internal crisis rocking the PDP had continued to weaken the party.
The former lawmaker said although the move was difficult, “it becomes necessary in the light of recent developments.”
“I am grateful to the PDP for the opportunities it gave me to serve at the local government, state, and national levels,” he said.
The former lawmaker also expressed appreciation to his supporters and associates for their loyalty over the years.
Mbora called on his followers and well-wishers to join him in the ADC and take part in the party’s ongoing registration and revalidation exercise across their wards.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the defection is gradually reshaping the state’s political landscape ahead of the next election cycle.
Reports from the ex-lawmaker’s new party indicate that arrangements are already in place to host a reception rally in honour of Mbora and other defectors.
His defection comes amid shifting political alignments in Cross River, following recent moves by former Gov. Liyel Imoke and former Sen. Gershom Bassey to the ADC.
NAN