By Destiny Young | July 30, 2025
A Media Support Group aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, AriseRenewedHope Media, has issued a pointed rebuttal to recent assertions made by Ambassador Umar Damagum, Acting National Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), who expressed optimism that the PDP would reclaim the governorship and other elective positions in the 2027 elections in the state.
In a press release signed by Ofonime Honesty, Director of Publicity for the group, the APC responded, characterising Ambassador Damagum’s remarks as a hopeful opinion rather than a reflection of the current political landscape in Akwa Ibom.
According to the statement, the APC has “completely taken over Akwa Ibom politics,” citing the defection of major PDP figures—including, notably, the current State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno—to APC ranks. The release claims that, for the first time, almost the entire political class in Akwa Ibom has consolidated under a single party, which the group refers to as “Akwa Ibom United,” echoing a slogan attributed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Highlighting the outcome of the 2023 general elections, the group pointed out that while the PDP had secured most seats, the APC and Young Progressives Party (YPP) were the main challengers. Presently, key leaders and supporters from all three parties are said to be working within the APC, which, the group argues, makes it “hard to see any elective office in the state that the APC may lose” come 2027.
The press release also emphasises Governor Eno’s role as state leader of the APC, noting his invitation to remaining PDP members to join the party, and his commitment to inclusive politics. The group asserts there is “consensus among Akwa Ibom people” for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, and Governor Eno, describing them as “extremely popular” and credits the growing popularity of both the Renewed Hope Agenda and ARISE Agenda with consolidating APC support in the state.
The statement concludes by suggesting that the PDP’s hopes for 2027 are “obviously impossible” under current conditions, declaring Akwa Ibom “a safe and impregnable APC stronghold,” while extending professional respect to Ambassador Damagum.
Context and Analysis
Akwa Ibom, historically a PDP stronghold since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, has witnessed significant political realignments in recent years. While the APC made notable inroads in the 2019 and 2023 elections, the PDP retained the governorship and most legislative seats as of the last poll. Reports of defections and shifting alliances have added fluidity to the state’s political structure, the movement of Gov. Umo Eno along with key leaders of the PDP and their followers to the APC, has shifted the political dynamic in favour of APC.
