Vice President Shettima reassures Governor Umo Eno and his supporters of inclusion in APC, hailing the defection as a sign of national alignment
Akwa Ibom defection APC reception drew national attention on Saturday as Vice President Kashim Shettima assured Governor Umo Eno and his supporters that their choice to leave the Peoples Democratic Party would not be in vain.
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Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event held in Uyo, Shettima described the All Progressives Congress as more than a political party, calling it a family bound by loyalty and shared goals.
The grand rally took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, where top figures of the ruling party gathered to welcome Governor Eno and thousands of defectors.
Shettima declared that President Tinubu had personally endorsed their integration into the party, offering strong guarantees of respect and belonging.
Governor Eno said the decision to defect was driven by the imperative to support the president’s reforms.
He explained that aligning with the APC would accelerate development in Akwa Ibom and help actualise long-standing projects, including the long-delayed Deep Sea Port.
According to him, his decision was guided by enlightened state interest rather than short-term political calculations.
Vice President Shettima used the moment to highlight Tinubu’s role in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He described the president as a statesman whose legacy was built on sacrifice, principle, and resilience. He added that the APC remained focused on merit and substance, not media spectacle.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Shettima for his intellect and character, stating that the event marked a movement rather than a routine political shift.
He assured that the new alliance would open the door for the Deep Sea Port and other long-awaited projects.
APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje welcomed the governor and acknowledged the “intimidating and organic” crowd as a sign of genuine political momentum.
He said national unity must come first, as it leads to development, integration, and prosperity.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum expressed support for Eno, saying that the South-South region had joined a national transformation journey.
He noted that Tinubu required committed allies, not distractions, to deliver economic reform and stability.
Cross River Governor Bassey Otu described the defection as a symbolic turning point.
He remarked that the South-South had now found its political voice in the centre, declaring that the Renewed Hope Agenda had taken root in the region.
The rally closed with resounding chants of unity as thousands pledged their commitment to the new alliance.
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For the APC, the moment was more than political—it was strategic, symbolic, and full of consequence for the future of regional integration in Nigeria.
