January 25, (THEWILL) — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has recorded major political gains in Akwa Ibom State with the defection of two senior figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP): former National Legal Adviser of the PDP, Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, and former Secretary to the State Government, Obonganwan Grace Ekong.
Enoidem was formally received on Friday, at a political rally in Utu Etim Ekpo, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, marking one of the most significant defections in the state’s recent political history.
Addressing supporters at the rally, Akpabio said Enoidem’s return to the APC would strengthen political stability in the state ahead of future elections, noting that Enoidem had previously served as a commissioner during his tenure as governor and described the defection as a unifying development.
Akpabio commended Governor Eno for facilitating the move and expressed confidence that the APC would record strong electoral outcomes in the 2027 general elections. The rally featured open endorsements for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Eno and Senator Akpabio.
Governor Eno, in his remarks, acknowledged Enoidem’s role in his emergence as governor and said the decision to join the APC was taken in the overall interest of Akwa Ibom State.
He disclosed that Enoidem had earlier pledged support for his re-election even while in the PDP, before concluding that alignment with the ruling party would better serve the state.
Enoidem said his defection was informed by prevailing political realities, noting that broader alignment with the APC would enhance Akwa Ibom’s access to national political engagement and development opportunities.
The rally attracted a wide range of political stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, state legislators, commissioners, local government chairmen, party leaders, and traditional and religious leaders.
Barely 24 hours later, the APC recorded another high-profile gain with the formal reception of former SSG, Obonganwan Grace Ekong, at the party secretariat in Oku Iboku Ward 1, Itu Local Government Area.
Ekong was received by party leaders and supporters, with the Executive Chairman of Itu Local Government Council, Hon. Ubong Nkutt, leading the event. She was formally admitted into the party by the ward chairman, Mr Bernard Ekanem, and presented to the Itu Chapter leadership.
Speaking at the event, Nkutt said Ekong’s entry into the APC would further strengthen the party’s structure in Itu, citing her experience in public service and governance. He urged party members to accord her full recognition in line with party rules.
Ekong said her decision to join the APC was driven by her desire to continue supporting governance at the local, state and federal levels, adding that the move would enable her to contribute more effectively to public administration.
The twin defections, coming within days of each other, underscore a growing shift within Akwa Ibom’s political landscape, as the APC consolidates its position ahead of the next electoral cycle.
