By Our Correspondent
In a landmark political development for Akwa Ibom State, Governor Pastor Umo Eno was formally welcomed into the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a grand reception held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The event, which drew an overwhelming crowd and widespread national attention, marked a significant shift in the political landscape of the state.
Akwa Ibom’s Political Landscape
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima (GCON), led top party officials including the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, in formally welcoming Governor Eno into the ruling party. In a symbolic gesture, the governor was declared the APC leader in Akwa Ibom State, cementing his new role in the political hierarchy of the party.
Addressing the capacity-filled stadium, Governor Umo Eno reaffirmed his decision to join the APC, which he had publicly declared on June 6, 2025. He described the move as a strategic realignment made in the enlightened interest of Akwa Ibom State, not out of personal ambition.
“I remain Governor for all Akwa Ibomites regardless of political affiliation,” he stated. “This decision is about unlocking development and deepening federal collaboration. Our ARISE Agenda will continue full steam.”
The Governor was accompanied by an impressive delegation comprising members of the State House of Assembly, National Assembly, State Executive Council, local government chairmen, political aides, and thousands of enthusiastic supporters.
He expressed confidence that aligning Akwa Ibom with the national political mainstream would accelerate projects like the long-anticipated Ibaka Deep Seaport in Mbo.
Akpabio: “This Is a Reunification, Not a Defection”
Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio (GCON) described Governor Eno’s switch as more than a defection, calling it a reunification of Akwa Ibom with Nigeria.
“This is not just politics—this is progress,” Akpabio said. “Akwa Ibom is now fully aligned with the progressive movement. Come 2027, the South-South will vote massively for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Akpabio praised Governor Eno’s integrity and performance, noting that his decision reflects genuine statesmanship and a commitment to long-term development.
National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, welcomed Governor Eno and his supporters, officially naming him the APC leader in Akwa Ibom State. He commended Eno’s political courage and capacity to unify diverse groups, expressing optimism for a stronger APC base in the South-South region.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, applauded Eno’s foresight and courage, describing the governor’s entry into the APC as a gain for the party and a catalyst for growth.
“What you bring is not just numbers; you bring leadership and value,” Shettima stated.
Also read: ANPA Endorses Governor Umo Eno’s Decision to Realign Politically
The event witnessed an outpouring of goodwill from key APC governors, including Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State and Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who chair the Nigeria Governors Forum and the Progressive Governors’ Forum, respectively.
Both leaders described Eno’s defection as a masterstroke with far-reaching implications for national unity and regional development.
They noted that the Governor’s presence in APC would strengthen the party’s chances in future elections and expand the reach of the federal government’s development efforts.
In his welcome address, Akwa Ibom APC Chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, described the event as a “historic milestone” for the party. He lauded the governor’s developmental strides and described his entry as the dawn of a new era for APC in the state.
“This is a game-changer,” Ntukekpo said. “The governor’s leadership has already touched lives, and with him leading the APC, we can expect a more inclusive and developmental governance.”
The event also featured performances, cultural displays, and a renewed sense of political momentum as the state joins the mainstream APC family.
Governor Eno’s defection marks a significant reshaping of Akwa Ibom’s political future. With federal alignment now a reality, the state’s access to national opportunities is expected to expand. Political analysts believe this move could redefine the 2027 general elections in the region and potentially shift long-standing political alliances.
As the Governor resumes work under the APC banner, many will be watching to see how this new political alignment translates into development, equity, and prosperity for the people of Akwa Ibom.
