Umo Eno Declared APC Leader in A’Ibom, says I remain Governor for All

In a politically defining moment for Akwa Ibom State, Governor Pastor Umo Eno was today formally received into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a grand reception held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

An event that drew a mammoth crowd and national attention.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima (GCON), alongside the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, led other party chieftains to welcome the Governor into the party, where he was formally declared leader of the APC in the State.

Addressing a stadium filled to capacity, Governor Umo Eno recalled his formal announcement on June 6, 2025, to join the APC, describing it as a strategic and principled move in the enlightened interest of Akwa Ibom State. He declared that aligning the state with the centre would enhance development and unlock long-standing federal collaborations.

“I remain Governor for all Akwa Ibomites regardless of political affiliation, and I am committed to continuing the implementation of the ARISE Agenda. This decision is not about personal ambition; it’s about the overall interest of our people,” Governor Eno stated.

The Governor, who led a massive delegation of the state’s political class—including members of the State House of Assembly, National Assembly, State Executive Council, local government chairmen, aides and thousands of supporters, said he is optimistic that his tenure would culminate in tangible achievements, including the long-anticipated realization of the Ibaka Deep Seaport project in Mbo.

The event was described by Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio (GCON), as more than a defection but a “reunification of Akwa Ibom with Nigeria.” He lauded Governor Eno’s leadership, integrity, and performance, affirming that “Akwa Ibom is now fully aligned with the progressive movement.”

“This is not a defection. This is a movement. Come 2027, the South-South will vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Akpabio declared.

In his remarks, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of APC, officially welcomed the new entrants and declared Governor Umo Eno, leader of the APC in Akwa Ibom State.

Vice President Shettima, delivering the President’s goodwill message, praised Governor Eno’s foresight and courage, saying his entry into the APC brings not just numbers but value and leadership.

APC leaders including the Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, and Chairman of Progressive Governor’s Forum, and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, hailed Eno’s decision as a political masterstroke that reconnects Akwa Ibom to national progress.

The Akwa Ibom APC Chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, in his welcome remarks, described the event as a historic milestone, celebrating the Governor’s development strides and the dawn of a new era for the party in the state.