The ongoing crisis in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly is an offshoot of the fight for supremacy between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the main opposition in the state, the All Progressives Congresses (APC). The latter is seeking to take over government in the state come 2019.

Before now, opposition lawmakers were non-existent in the state, and even when there was any, they made little or no impact in the House. Any disagreement among members was resolved amicably, and in the case of any proposed impeachment, the affected lawmaker resigned or stepped down honourably.

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In fact, at the inception of this Assembly, there were no opposition lawmakers until the defection of Senator Godswill Akapbio to the APC.

This defection not only fuelled the desire of the APC to take over the reins of government at all cost, but the party, which could be described as a lame duck in the state, suddenly came alive and many aggrieved PDP members or loyal followers of Akpabio defected.

Five lawmakers: Mr. Idongesit Ituen, representing Itu; Mr Gabriel Toby (Etim Ekpo/Ika); Mr. Victor Udofia (Ikono/Ini); Mr. Otobong Ndem (Mkpat Enin) and Mr. Nse Ntuen (Essien Udim) defected to the APC and their seats were declared vacant by the Speaker of the House, Mr. Onofiok Luke