President Bola Tinubu has assured Governor Umo Eno and his supporters that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will protect them after their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
At the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered Tinubu’s message during the grand reception for Governor Eno.
“You will not be humiliated. We will rise and ride together,” Shettima assured, urging Eno to take APC as his new political home.
Governor Eno is now the third South-South governor to embrace the APC. His move has sparked political excitement across the region.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the defection as historic and bold. He said the shift marks a major political realignment in the South-South.
“This is not just a defection—it’s a movement. Governor Eno has reunited Nigeria with this step,” Akpabio declared.
Akpabio added that Rivers and Bayelsa will soon follow Akwa Ibom’s lead. He praised Eno for defying political odds and consulting widely before switching parties.
“They may not applaud you, but ignore them. You’ve joined a party that won’t deceive you,” he said.
He also predicted a smooth re-election for Eno in 2027, noting that many Akwa Ibom residents have moved with him to the APC.
Akpabio stressed that the APC seeks unity, not partisanship. He insisted that Akwa Ibom deserves a strong voice in the national equation.
“We won’t build broken parties. Any party that breaks should stay broken,” he stated.
In his response, Governor Eno recalled his defection on June 6. He said he joined the APC to support President Tinubu’s agenda and push for the Ibom Deep Seaport.
“We are not afraid. We know President Tinubu won’t fail us. Every risk has its reward,” he said.
Eno explained that the defection had a clear goal—to secure development projects for Akwa Ibom.
APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje welcomed Eno with open arms. He handed over the party flag and broom, symbols of his new political identity.
“You understand the value of unity. You now lead the APC in Akwa Ibom,” Ganduje announced.
He noted that the South-South never had a progressive governor under Buhari, except for Ben Ayade of Cross River. Now, the region is realigning under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“This is a new beginning. With Eno, we now have a clear path for South-South development,” Ganduje concluded.
