AKWA IBOM, UYO – The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has formally received Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), into its fold, marking a significant political realignment within the state’s power structure.
Governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno announced the development on his verified social media page on Wednesday, following a high-profile reception held in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, describing the move as deliberate, courageous, and development-driven.
Governor Eno said Enoidem’s decision reflected “the overall interest of peace, unity, and accelerated development,” stressing that political cooperation among leaders remained central to sustaining stability and growth in Akwa Ibom.
According to the governor, the defection aligns with his administration’s ARISE Agenda and strengthens synergy with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, thereby positioning the state for increased federal collaboration.
“With leaders working together in one accord, we will deepen the progress we are already recording,” Eno stated, noting that his administration had delivered over 25 projects in Etim Ekpo within two years.
Governor Credits Federal Alignment for Development Momentum
Governor Eno emphasized that aligning with the government at the centre would unlock further opportunities for infrastructure, social investment, and economic expansion across local government areas.
He thanked Senate President Godswill Akpabio, party leaders, and community stakeholders for what he described as collective commitment to unity over division, adding that political harmony remained a catalyst for progress.
“When we choose unity over division, Akwa Ibom moves forward,” the governor declared, concluding his message with prayers for the state’s peace and prosperity.
Truth live news reports that the governor’s statement immediately generated widespread public reactions, reflecting a mix of commendation, caution, and critical reflection on governance priorities and political direction.
Public Reactions Applaud Peace, Raise Governance Concerns
Reacting to the development, Emelda Cruz described Governor Eno as “always peaceful,” praising his inclusive leadership style and ability to carry diverse interests along without creating rifts or misunderstandings.
Cruz referred to the governor as “our peace-loving governor,” a sentiment echoed by several supporters who applauded the conciliatory tone of the administration.
Edison Emene-Ukwa, however, interpreted Enoidem’s defection through a strategic lens, suggesting that timing played a major role in the attention surrounding the move.
“This man called Enoidem is very sensitive,” Emene-Ukwa wrote, arguing that earlier defectors did not receive comparable recognition, and describing politics as largely calculative, despite claiming personal apolitical standing.
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He further speculated that other prominent politicians, including Aniefiok Luke, might consider similar political moves, given the perceived benefits of alignment at this stage.
Citizens Question Impact on Ordinary People
Countering the celebratory tone, Otok David Kokoette challenged the focus on political calculations, questioning whether such alignments translated into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.
Kokoette asked pointedly what the federal government was currently doing in Akwa Ibom, citing the poor condition of the Itu–Odukpani road as a pressing example of unmet infrastructural needs.
His reaction underscored broader public concerns about whether political realignments primarily served elite interests rather than addressing grassroots development challenges.
Similarly, Ifiok Nkanta urged the governor to prioritize basic amenities, including electricity, clean water, rural roads, and employment opportunities for graduates.
Nkanta argued that Akwa Ibom possessed sufficient financial resources and called on the administration to deploy public funds more effectively for social impact.
Faith, Loyalty, and Praise Dominate Supportive Voices
Aniekan Abasi Udoaka offered a faith-based endorsement of Governor Eno, describing him as a “peace shelter” and praying for divine protection amid perceived opposition to his leadership.
Udoaka referenced remarks attributed to Barrister Enoidem, suggesting that a sense of political emptiness without unity influenced his decision to join the APC.
Prince Ime Ukpong expressed gratitude to the governor for completed projects in Etim Ekpo, specifically mentioning the Atuai–Ikot Ikpa Road, which he said had positively affected his community.
Ukpong congratulated Enoidem and his wife, Anne Enoidem, describing the defection as a sacrifice for the people of Akwa Ibom and acknowledging past political empowerment he received.
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Debate Over One-Party Dominance Emerges
Bassey O. Bassey raised concerns about Nigeria’s democratic balance, warning that the gradual convergence of political actors into the APC could steer the country toward a one-party state.
Referencing campaign rhetoric associated with President Tinubu, Bassey cautioned that political uniformity might undermine pluralism and called for divine intervention.
Christopher Emma also expressed skepticism, stating that recent political trajectories under the APC warranted caution, while expressing hope for divine guidance.
In contrast, David Archibong defended the governor’s alignment with the federal government, describing it as a wise decision that had enhanced peace and development in Akwa Ibom.
Archibong cited Governor Eno’s relationship with Senate President Akpabio as instrumental in fostering stability and urged other states, including Abia, to adopt similar collaborative models.
Unity Narrative Frames Political Transition
Ubong Thompson framed the defection within a broader narrative of reconciliation and restoration, arguing that Governor Eno understood that Akwa Ibom’s existence transcended partisan politics.
Thompson said the administration’s focus on unity among stakeholders inspired peaceful political realignment rather than chaos or violence, enabling statewide progress.
He attributed the governor’s approach to what he described as exceptional leadership capacity and compassion, asserting that sustainable development thrived in an atmosphere of peace.
Political Implications Ahead
Observers note that Enoidem’s entry into the APC could recalibrate political dynamics within Akwa Ibom, particularly as alignments ahead of future electoral cycles intensify.
While supporters view the move as a strategic bridge between state and federal priorities, critics insist that performance, service delivery, and accountability must remain the ultimate benchmarks.
As reactions continue to unfold, the development underscores the delicate balance between political strategy and public expectations in a state navigating unity, diversity, and development ambitions.
For now, Governor Umo Eno’s message remains clear: political cooperation, according to his administration, is a means to accelerate progress, not an end in itself.
