President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno have welcomed the former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Emmanuel Enoidem, into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection was announced at a rally in Utu Etim Ekpo, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of the state, where Akpabio described Enoidem’s return to the APC as akin to the biblical parable of a shepherd leaving 99 sheep to recover one that had strayed.
Akpabio, who noted that Enoidem served as a commissioner during his tenure as governor, commended Gov. Eno for facilitating the reunion, saying it would foster peaceful electioneering across Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District and the state at large.
He expressed confidence that the development would strengthen the APC’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, Akpabio was quoted as saying the event marked a reconnection with one of his political protégés and signaled a return of peace to the state.
He recalled that despite Enoidem contesting against him in 2023, the people of Etim Ekpo voted overwhelmingly in his favour, adding that Enoidem’s return would ensure rancour-free elections in 2027.
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Gov. Eno, in his remarks, acknowledged Enoidem’s role in his emergence as governor and thanked him for joining the APC in what he described as the overall interest of Akwa Ibom State.
He disclosed that Enoidem had previously pledged support for his re-election and that of Akpabio, even while in the PDP, but agreed it would better serve the state to align with the ruling party.
Explaining his decision, Enoidem said his defection was driven by the need to act in the best interest of the state, noting that politics is local and that the majority of the people had shown preference for the ruling party rather than remaining in opposition.
The event drew a large turnout of political stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, members of the state House of Assembly, commissioners, local government chairmen, party leaders, as well as traditional and religious leaders.
The APC state Chairman, Steven Ntokekpo, formally presented party symbols and paraphernalia to Enoidem to mark his entry into the party.
