Akpabio, Eno Officially Welcome Former PDP National Legal Adviser, Enoidem, Into APC

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, alongside the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, on Friday formally received a 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 held in Utu Etim Ekpo, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, where Senator Akpabio described Enoidem’s defection as similar to the biblical parable of a shepherd who left 99 sheep in search of the one that had strayed.

Recalling that Enoidem once served as a Commissioner during his tenure as Governor, Akpabio praised Governor Eno for facilitating the reunion, noting that the development would promote peaceful and rancour-free political activities, not only in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District but across the entire state. 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, Senator Akpabio was quoted as saying: “This rally reconnects me with one of my political mentees. I am delighted to officially welcome Enoidem into the APC.
“Today’s event marks the restoration of peace in Akwa Ibom State, and peace is a catalyst for progress and development in any society.
“I also wish to commend the people of Etim Ekpo for standing by me in 2023, even when Enoidem contested against me. Now that he has returned, we look forward to rancour-free elections in 2027,” Akpabio said.
Through a voice vote conducted by the Senate President, the crowd openly declared support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno.
Governor Eno, in his remarks, acknowledged the significant role Enoidem played in his emergence as Governor and thanked him for embracing what he described as the voice of reason by joining the APC in the collective interest of Akwa Ibom State.
The Governor revealed that even while Enoidem was still a member of the PDP, he had pledged support for his re-election and that of Senator Akpabio. However, Enoidem later concluded that aligning with the APC would better serve the overall interest of the state.
Speaking on his decision, Enoidem said his defection was motivated by the desire to advance the development of Akwa Ibom State, stressing that politics is local and that the majority of the people had shown preference for the ruling party rather than remaining in opposition.
The rally attracted 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 executives, as well as traditional and religious leaders.
The State Chairman of the APC, Obong Steven Ntokekpo, formally presented party symbols and paraphernalia to Enoidem to signify his admission into the party.