Eno’s Defection: Collaborate With PDP Defectors, Akpabio Urges APC Members 

Ahead of the scheduled mega reception ceremony for Governor Umo Eno into the All Progrssives Congress (APC), Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on stakeholders and members of the party in Akwa Ibom State to collaborate with other members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that are willing to join the ruling party.

Addressing APC stakeholders from the 31 local government areas of the state in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Wednesday, Sen. Akpabio assured that the proposed political alignment would attract significant federal interventions to Akwa Ibom State, aimed at improving the welfare of the people and accelerating development of the state.

A statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Senate President, Jackson Udom said, “Let me assure us all that the current political alignment will attract significant federal interventions to Akwa Ibom, aimed at improving the welfare and development of our people.

“Governor Umo after serious consultation with all stakeholders declared that there was need for us in the State to support our son, and also support the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for finding an Akwa Ibom son of worth to be the Number three citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“But now it is time for the whole State to follow him because he has done wide consultation from traditional rulers to the political class across all political parties.

“And I must inform you that it is not only the Governor and the PDP that will join us, all other political parties are going to join us. So, for the first time in the history of Akwa Ibom State, we are most likely going to have a rancour free election”.

“There is no need for internal squabbles and wrangling. APC is big enough to accommodate everyone and that is what the new alignment comes with.

“Being linked to the centre comes with a lot of federal presence in terms of projects and human capital development. What we want from party members, both old and new, is to be united and remain peaceful in the overall interest of our dear state’’, the statement added.

Also speaking, the State APC Chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, thanked the Senate President for his unwavering support to the party and his commitment to the vision for a united Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, former Petroleum Minister, Atuekong Don Etiebet, said it was evident that God has worked through Senator Akpabio to unite the people of Akwa Ibom State under one political platform, the APC.

Atuekong Etiebet said the people of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District were in full support of the grand reception for Governor Eno and other defecting members of the PDP.

On his part, Elder Statesman and former State Chairman of the PDP, Arc Otu Ita Toyo, said the unification of political parties in the State was of great importance to the people of Eket Senatorial District, hence the need for them to support the call by Sen. Akpabio for total harmonization of political parties in the State.

The APC leader of Uyo Senatorial District and former Military Administrator of Ogun and Rivers States, Group Captain Sam Ewang (rtd), said being in the opposition in the State had caused members of the APC severe hardship in the past.

Group Capt. Ewang said, with the defection of the governor and other key stakeholders, he anticipated a brighter future for members of the party in the State.

APC stakeholders in the three senatorial districts pledged their willingness to work together with former PDP members to achieve lasting political harmony in the state.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, APC governors, National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Ganduje and other chieftains are expected to formally receive the Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, into the APC on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

The occasion, which is scheduled to hold at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, at 12 noon, comes up two weeks after Governor Eno announced his defection from PDP to APC.