By Uko Callistus | August 1, 2025
On Friday, 1 August 2025, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, paid a strategic visit to the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Secretariat at No. 6 Ekpo Obot Street, Uyo. This was part of his ongoing familiarisation tour following his recent and formal alignment with the country’s ruling party.
The Governor’s arrival drew the presence of prominent party leaders, state officials, political stalwarts, and numerous supporters. The visit was widely interpreted as a powerful gesture of unity and a renewed call for party cohesion in Akwa Ibom.
Obong Stephen Leo Ntukekpo, APC State Chairman, warmly welcomed Pastor Umo Eno, commending him for his brave political step. He assured the Governor of the party’s unreserved support, stressing that his leadership would further consolidate APC’s structure and electoral success in the state.
The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Udeme Otong, pledged the full cooperation of the legislature. He voiced confidence in the Governor’s leadership, affirming the Assembly’s continued partnership with the Executive in pursuit of a progressive and united Akwa Ibom State until 2031 and beyond.
Representing Akwa Ibom women, Deputy Governor Dr Akon Eyakenyi described Governor Eno as “a man of vision and insight” who leads inclusively and equitably. She reaffirmed the loyalty of women across the state, hailing him as a unifying force who embraces all, regardless of political background.
Governor Umo Eno, in his address, underscored that his entry into the APC was both thoughtful and principled, rooted in a long-term vision for Akwa Ibom.
“Today’s visit is part of our ongoing familiarisation with the party. We began by meeting its structure, engaging stakeholders, and now, visiting the party secretariat—because the party remains supreme. We are not in a hurry. We have started early and will put everything in place,” he stated.
The Governor praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for navigating Nigeria through challenging times and gradually stabilising the economy. He acknowledged the President’s support for state governments, noting that Akwa Ibom had received substantial financial intervention during this administration.
“We met over ₦100 billion in unpaid gratuities. Today, we have cleared over ₦70 billion. If I say this government is helping states, please take it from me,” the Governor emphasised.
He described the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as a true statesman with deep concern for Akwa Ibom, adding that his move to join APC was inspired by a shared vision for sustainable national development with both the President and Senate President.
Governor Eno announced plans to construct a new state-of-the-art APC State Secretariat and inaugurated a committee to coordinate the project. The committee, chaired by Sir Monday Uko (popularly known as Monty), features the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo; former Governor and APC stalwart since 2015, Obong Nsima Ekere; Distinguished Senator Ita Enang; and Rt Hon Uyime Idem. The committee has been given a three-month deadline to submit an initial report.
The Governor clarified that no government funds would be utilised for the construction; instead, he appealed for voluntary donations from party members and stakeholders.
On party reforms, the Governor referenced the Ward-Based Programme introduced by President Tinubu, directing all members—both new and longstanding—to return to their respective wards for registration. He stressed that only those in the updated party register would be recognised.
“Don’t sit in Uyo and claim you’ve joined APC. Go and demonstrate your strength at the ward level. From Monday, we will know who has truly joined this party. I will personally be at my ward in Ikot Ekpene Udo,” he stated.
He cautioned against premature political ambitions, reiterating that no new ward leaders have been appointed and that official decisions will only be made after due consultations.
Reiterating his message of unity, the Governor likened the APC to a broom—at its strongest when its strands are bound together.
“No party will defeat the APC in Akwa Ibom come 2027 and beyond. Let us move as one,” he declared.
Governor Umo Eno’s visit marks a significant milestone in the state’s political evolution, signalling deeper collaboration, robust grassroots mobilisation, and strategic repositioning in the run-up to future elections.
