President of the Senate and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has declared that Governor Umo Eno’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) has not only realigned Akwa Ibom State with national politics but has also united the people of the state like never before.
Speaking during a grand reception in honour of Governor Eno at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, Akpabio described the move as courageous and historic, stating that it marked a significant political shift for the South-South region.
According to a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio said, “Governor Eno, it was not an easy decision. But I thank you for being a man of your word. You have, by today’s action, brought us back to the good old days of Akwa Ibom State. Today is for you, today is for President Bola Tinubu, the South South, Akwa Ibom State, and most especially for Nigeria.”
Akpabio added that his interactions with Akwa Ibom people across various sectors convinced him that the state overwhelmingly supports Governor Eno’s move. “You are not alone in this. The people are with you. This is not a defection, it is a movement. It is the unification of Akwa Ibom with Nigeria, and you made it happen.”
He described the event as a turning point in the political evolution of the state, noting that Akwa Ibom, which produces a large share of the nation’s wealth, had previously aligned with the centre and is now returning to that path. “In 2023 we went our different ways, but today God has used Governor Eno to reconnect us,” he said.
Looking ahead to 2027, Akpabio expressed confidence that the South-South region would rally behind President Tinubu’s re-election bid. “You, Governor Eno, will be the first to be re-elected in 2027, and President Tinubu will get over 90 percent of the votes from Akwa Ibom.”
He, however, cautioned the governor not to expect universal praise for his decision, saying, “Not everyone will applaud you. Some will question your choice, but you will answer them with the results and the development that will follow. Under President Tinubu, APC will not deceive you—you will get more than you even asked for.”
