Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, have formally received the former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party, Emmanuel Enoidem, into the ruling All Progressives Congress, in a move seen as part of the APC’s ongoing consolidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defection, which took place at a political rally in Utu Etim Ekpo, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, was disclosed in a statement released on Saturday by Akpabio’s Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong.
Enoidem, a former Commissioner under Akpabio’s administration when the Senate President served as governor of Akwa Ibom State, was described by Akpabio as a long-lost political ally whose return symbolised reconciliation and unity within the state’s political space.
Drawing a Biblical analogy, Akpabio likened Enoidem’s return to the story of a shepherd who left 99 sheep in search of one that had strayed, noting that the defection marked a major step towards political harmony in the state.
He commended Governor Eno for facilitating the reunion and said the development would help ensure rancour-free electioneering, particularly in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District and across the state.
“This rally is like connecting me to one of my political mentees. I want to tell everyone that I am happy to receive Enoidem into the APC. Today’s event signals the return of peace to Akwa Ibom State. And you know that peace drives progress and development in any community.
“I must put on record for the people of Etim Ekpo that despite the fact that Enoidem contested against me in 2023, you voted overwhelmingly for me. So now that he is back with us, we anticipate rancour-free elections in 2027,” he said.
Akpabio also expressed confidence that the APC would record an easy victory in the 2027 general elections following the defection of the former PDP chieftain.
Through a voice vote administered by the Senate President, the crowd at the rally openly pledged support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, Akpabio and Eno in 2027.
Speaking at the event, the governor acknowledged Enoidem’s role in his emergence as governor and thanked him for aligning with the APC, which he described as a decision taken in the broader interest of Akwa Ibom State.
The governor disclosed that even while Enoidem remained in the PDP, he had assured him of support for his re-election and that of the Senate President, but later agreed that joining the APC would better serve the state’s political and developmental interests.
In his remarks, Enoidem said his decision to defect was informed by the need to align with the political direction favoured by the majority of Akwa Ibom people, stressing that “all politics are local” and that remaining in the opposition would not serve the state.
The event attracted top political figures, including members of the National Assembly, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, State Executive Council members, local government chairmen, party leaders, as well as traditional and religious leaders.
The Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the APC, Obong Steven Ntokekpo, formally presented party symbols and paraphernalia to Enoidem, officially sealing his entry into the ruling party.
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