Patty Etete, a former member of the House of Representatives, has announced his plan to run for the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial seat, which is currently occupied by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, following his defection to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The former lawmaker, who represented the Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency from 2007 to 2011, resigned from his position as a senior legislative aide to Akpabio in March before departing the APC for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He has since moved on from the ADC, confirming to PREMIUM TIMES that he officially joined the NDC on 4 May.
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His move comes on the heels of other prominent figures, such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, entering the party—a shift that has sparked a wave of high-profile defections across the country.
Within just 48 hours of Obi and Kwankwaso’s arrival, 17 members of the House of Representatives and one senator also joined the fold.
Mr. Etete explained that his move to the NDC was motivated by his search for a dependable platform to advance his political goals. “I am seeking a platform where I can actualise my aspiration to represent Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District,” he said.
Since Mr. Etete comes from the same federal constituency as Akpabio, his defection sets the scene for what could be a very intense political battle.
