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Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, a former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has announced his decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing renewed political unity and reconciliation in Akwa Ibom State.
Enoidem expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for facilitating his reunion with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing the move as a turning point that restores long-standing political ties and strengthens cohesion among key actors in the state.
Moreover, Senate President Akpabio praised Governor Eno’s role in fostering political harmony, stressing that unity, rather than electoral calculations, remains critical to sustained peace and development in Akwa Ibom.
Akpabio spoke when the governor led a delegation of political stakeholders to formally notify him of Enoidem’s decision to align with the APC. The meeting took place at Akpabio’s residence in Uyo.
According to a statement issued by Akpabio’s Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, the Senate President said no sacrifice was too great in the pursuit of peace, adding that inclusive politics would prevent avoidable tensions in the future.
He recalled past political unrest in the state to underline the cost of disunity, noting that proactive reconciliation was essential to maintaining stability.
Akpabio further said moments of collective joy witnessed during recent festive celebrations reflected the benefits of peaceful coexistence.
Enoidem, who previously served as commissioner for eight years under Akpabio’s administration as governor, later became PDP’s National Legal Adviser and contested against Akpabio in the last Akwa Ibom North West senatorial election.
Meanwhile, Governor Eno said the visit was intended to formally brief Akpabio on the decision of one of the state’s prominent political figures to join the APC, describing the development as part of a broader consensus to work together across party lines.
He added that stakeholders had agreed to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid and to back Akpabio’s return to the Senate, noting that the state’s collective interest outweighed partisan divisions.
Also speaking, Enoidem described Governor Eno as a bridge-builder who consistently encouraged reconciliation, saying his return to work with Akpabio was driven by loyalty and a shared commitment to the state’s progress.
Furthermore, Enoidem is expected to be formally received into the APC at a rally scheduled for Friday in Utu Etim Ekpo, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.