The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno on Friday formally received the former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Emmanuel Enoidem into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

At a rally in Utu Etim Ekpo, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio likened the defection of Enoidem who had served as a Commissioner in his administration as Governor to the Biblical story of a Shepherd who left 99 sheep to go in search of one which had gone astray.

Akpabio commended Pastor Eno for reuniting Enoidem with him and said the move would ensure a rancor free electioneering not only in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District but Akwa Ibom State as a whole. He said with the defection of the former PDP chieftain, APC would coast home to victory easily in the 2027 elections.

A statement by the Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong quoted Senator Akpabio as saying: “This rally is like connecting me to one of my political mentees. I want to tell everyone that I am happy to receive Enoidem into the APC.

“Today’s event signals the return of peace to Akwa Ibom State. And you know that peace drives progress and development in any community.

“I must put on record for the people of Etim Ekpo that despite the fact that Enoidem contested against me in 2023, you voted overwhelmingly for me. So now that he is back with us, we anticipate rancour free elections in 2027,” Akpabio said.

Through a voice vote administered by Senator Akpabio, the people indicated their intention to support the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno.

On his part, Governor Eno acknowledged that Enoidem had played a key role in his emergence as Governor of Akwa Ibom State and appreciated him for hearkening to the voice of reason and joining the APC in the overall interest of the State.

Eno disclosed that even while he was in PDP, Enoidem had assured him of his support for his reelection and that of Senator Akpabio but he had reasoned that it would serve the interest of the State better if he joined the APC.

The former PDP chieftain, Enoidem said he was defecting from the PDP to join the APC in the interest of Akwa Ibom State since all politics are local and majority of the people have indicated their preference for the ruling party instead of being in the opposition.

The event was attended by political stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, State House of Assembly members, State Executive Council members, local government chairmen, party leaders, traditional and religious leaders, among others.

The State Chairman of APC, Obong Steven Ntokekpo presented party symbols and paraphernalia to the new entrant.

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