The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has announced new leadership following recent political changes in the state.
On Thursday, 3 July 2025, Rt. Hon. Barr. Otobong Bob, who represents Nsit Ubium State Constituency, was officially named the new Leader of the House. The announcement was made by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, during plenary.
Otobong Bob, a second-term lawmaker, previously served as Deputy Leader while in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He now replaces Hon. Sunday Johnny, the member for ONNA State Constituency, who remains with the PDP and has moved into the minority.
Hon. Johnny and Hon. Udofot of Etinan State Constituency are the only two members who stayed with the PDP after 24 of their colleagues, including Governor Umo Eno, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in June 2025. The PDP now forms the minority in the House.
Otobong Bob was one of the lawmakers who left the PDP, citing internal party crises at the national level as the reason for his defection to the APC.
In a related development, the House also confirmed Hon. Nsidibe Akata, who represents Eket State Constituency, as the new Deputy Leader.
These changes mark a significant shift in the political leadership of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly as the APC strengthens its control.
