Emmanuel Enoidem, a former national legal adviser for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was formally welcomed into the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno.
At a political gathering in Utu Etim Ekpo, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Enoidem was greeted.
During his speech, Senator Akpabio compared Enoidem’s defection to the biblical tale of a shepherd who abandoned 99 sheep in search of one that had strayed. Enoidem had previously been a commissioner while he was the state’s governor, Akpabio pointed out.
He commended Governor Umo Eno for helping Enoidem return to the APC, claiming that the action will foster harmony and peace ahead of the state’s upcoming elections. He claimed that the defection would contribute to calm electioneering throughout the state, not just in Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District.
After the defection, Akpabio expressed confidence that the APC would win the general elections in 2027 with ease.
“I feel like I’ve reconnected with one of my political mentees through this event. “I am delighted to welcome Enoidem into the APC,” Akpabio remarked.
He emphasized that peace is essential for development and noted that the occasion signaled the restoration of peace to Akwa Ibom State.
Akpabio commended the residents of Etim Ekpo for their support during the 2023 elections, even though Enoidem was running against him at the time. The state should anticipate elections free of rancour in 2027, he said, since Enoidem has returned to the same party.
The audience publicly expressed support for Senator Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection throughout the demonstration.
In his speech, Governor Umo Eno praised Enoidem for joining the APC in what he called Akwa Ibom State’s general interest and acknowledged Enoidem’s contribution to his rise to the position.
The governor disclosed that Enoidem had pledged to back both Senator Akpabio’s and his own reelection while he was still a member of the PDP. Enoidem eventually concurred, though, that the state would benefit more from joining the APC.
Enoidem stated that the political climate in the state was the reason behind his decision to quit the PDP. He pointed out that being in the opposition would not help the state because the majority of Akwa Ibom’s citizens now support the ruling party.
Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, chairmen of local governments, party leaders, traditional and religious leaders, and members of the National Assembly were among the political stakeholders who attended the rally.