The All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State on Friday recorded a notable boost to its political ranks with the formal admission of Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN, a former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party, in a move party leaders framed as a step towards wider political cohesion in the state.
The reception ceremony took place at the Etim Ekpo Township Stadium in Utu Etim Ekpo and drew a large crowd of party members, supporters, and political leaders from across the state. The event was attended by Governor Umo Eno and the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, alongside senior party and government officials.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Umo Eno described Enoidem’s decision as a strategic choice driven by the broader interest of Akwa Ibom. He recalled Enoidem’s role in his political rise and said the realignment reflected a shared commitment to stability, cooperation, and development. The Governor highlighted ongoing infrastructure and social projects in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area and expressed confidence that closer collaboration among political leaders would sustain development efforts in the area.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, characterised the occasion as both political and personal, noting his long standing relationship with Enoidem. He said the former PDP chieftain’s entry into the APC was likely to reduce political tensions and improve coordination in Etim Ekpo, Abak Federal Constituency, and the wider Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District. Akpabio also referenced past and ongoing constituency projects as evidence of the benefits of political alignment.
Earlier, the Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area praised Governor Umo Eno’s conciliatory approach to governance and thanked the Senate President for his continued engagement with the state. He described Enoidem’s decision as significant for local politics and acknowledged his influence on political mobilisation within the area.
Several speakers, including the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong, and the member representing Abak, Etim Ekpo, and Ika Federal Constituency, Clement Jimbo, echoed similar sentiments. They described the development as a sign of growing unity within the state’s political space and commended the APC leadership for widening its appeal.
The formal induction of Barrister Enoidem, his wife, and a large number of supporters into the APC was conducted by the State Chairman of the party, Stephen Ntukekpo, marking the symbolic conclusion of the event.
In his response, Enoidem said his decision followed careful consideration and was guided by his commitment to the progress of Etim Ekpo and Akwa Ibom State at large. He noted that political choices, in his view, should reflect local realities and development priorities, adding that his move was aimed at contributing more effectively to governance and growth.
The ceremony was also attended by the Deputy Governor, Akon Eyakenyi, members of the National and State Assemblies, the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah, members of the State Executive Council, and other senior government officials.
