Akpabio, Gov. Eno welcome former PDP Legal Adviser Emmanuel Enoidem to APC

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, alongside Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Friday formally received former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Emmanuel Enoidem, into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The reception took place at a political rally in Utu Etim Ekpo, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, where Senator Akpabio described Enoidem’s return to his political fold as akin to the biblical parable of a shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to retrieve one that had strayed. Enoidem previously served as a commissioner during Akpabio’s tenure as governor.

Akpabio praised Governor Eno for facilitating the reconciliation, noting that the development would foster peaceful political activities across Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District and the state at large. He expressed confidence that the APC would record an easy victory in the 2027 general elections following the defection.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, the Senate President was quoted as describing the occasion as a moment of reconnection with a former political protégé. He said the event marked a return of peace to the state, emphasizing that peace remains a catalyst for development.

Akpabio also recalled that despite Enoidem contesting against him in the 2023 elections, the people of Etim Ekpo overwhelmingly supported him. He added that Enoidem’s return would further guarantee rancour-free elections in 2027.

During the rally, a voice vote conducted by Senator Akpabio showed the crowd’s endorsement of the re-election bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno.

Governor Eno, in his remarks, acknowledged Enoidem’s significant contribution to his emergence as governor and thanked him for aligning with the APC in what he described as the broader interest of Akwa Ibom State. He revealed that even while Enoidem remained in the PDP, he had pledged support for his re-election and that of Senator Akpabio, but later agreed that joining the ruling party would better serve the state’s interests.

Explaining his decision, Enoidem said his defection was driven by the need to align with the political preference of the majority in Akwa Ibom, noting that politics is ultimately local and that remaining in opposition would not advance the state’s development.

The event drew a large gathering of political stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, members of the State House of Assembly, State Executive Council members, local government chairmen, party leaders, and traditional and religious figures.

The State Chairman of the APC, Obong Steven Ntokekpo, formally presented party symbols and paraphernalia to Enoidem, sealing his entry into the party.