The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, on Friday formally received a former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party, Emmanuel Enoidem, into the All Progressives Congress.
The defection took place at a political rally held in Utu Etim Ekpo, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of the state, where Akpabio described Enoidem’s return to the ruling party as a reunion with a long-lost political ally.
Addressing supporters at the event, the Senate President likened Enoidem’s move to the biblical parable of a shepherd leaving 99 sheep to recover one that had strayed, noting that the former PDP chieftain once served as a commissioner during his tenure as governor.
Akpabio commended Governor Eno for facilitating the defection, saying the development would help ensure peaceful electioneering across Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District and the state at large ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, Akpabio said the defection signalled a return of political harmony in the state and expressed confidence that the APC would record electoral success in 2027.
Governor Eno, in his remarks, acknowledged Enoidem’s role in his political journey and said the decision to join the APC was taken in the overall interest of Akwa Ibom State. He added that the former PDP official had earlier assured him of support, but believed aligning with the ruling party would better serve the state.
Enoidem said he defected to the APC after consulting widely, explaining that the move was guided by local political realities and the preference of the majority of the people for the ruling party.
The event attracted top political stakeholders, including federal and state lawmakers, party leaders, traditional and religious leaders, with the APC state chairman, Obong Steven Ntokekpo, formally presenting party paraphernalia to the new member.