TINUBU HAILS GOVERNOR ENO’S DEFECTION TO APC AS HISTORIC TURNING POINT FOR AKWA IBOM

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for what he described as a “rare, visionary and courageous” political realignment following the Governor’s formal defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The declaration was made during a grand reception held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where the Governor was officially received into the ruling party.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu hailed Governor Eno’s decision as a bold step that will “usher in a new dawn with renewed hope for the people of the State.” He emphasized that the governor’s integration into the APC aligns Akwa Ibom with the Federal Government and would enhance the delivery of democratic dividends through the ARISE Agenda.
“We are proud to welcome a man of such wisdom and vision,” the President stated. “Your presence in our great party will deepen development in Akwa Ibom.”
Governor Eno, in his address, said the move was rooted in enlightened State interest and the desire to position Akwa Ibom strategically within the national mainstream. “This progressive movement is from a position of strength. Our future is bright,” he said.
He reiterated his commitment to the ARISE Agenda and thanked the people of Akwa Ibom, political supporters, and stakeholders who joined him en masse in the political shift. The governor also expressed hope that a deep seaport—long a dream of the state—will now become a reality under a more cooperative Federal alignment.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the event as a historic reunification of Akwa Ibom with the national leadership. He praised Governor Eno for placing the unity and prosperity of the state above partisan lines and assured him of Federal support in achieving long-awaited infrastructure like the Ibaka Deep Seaport.
APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, presented the party’s flag to Governor Eno, declaring him the APC leader in Akwa Ibom and describing the defection as “a wise choice rooted in unity and national progress.”
The event drew an unprecedented crowd and attendance from top political figures, dignitaries, and supporters across party lines.