The Executive Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Gideon Uwa, has officially defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing alignment with the recent bold move by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD.
The defection, which took place yesterday at the council secretariat in Utu Etim Ekpo, marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the area.
The council boss, who led a delegation of political stakeholders including the Member Representing Etim Ekpo/Ika State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Mfon Idung; the Vice Chairman of Council, Hon. Choice Friday Akpan; aides of the Governor, councillors, and supervisors, was received by the Etim Ekpo Chapter Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Pastor Edidiong Idio.
According to Uwa, “My decision to join the APC is premised on the recent and bold progressive movement of our leader, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), viz-à-viz his astute conviction in his developmental blueprint for the people of Etim Ekpo and Akwa Ibom State at large through the ARISE Agenda.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots development, peace, and the consolidation of the ARISE Agenda in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area to bolster the governor’s comprehensive framework aimed at transforming socio-economic sectors across the state. He also pledged support for the laudable strides of the 10th President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio and the Honourable Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. (Obongemem) Ekperikpe Ekpo
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chapter Chairman of the APC in Etim Ekpo, Pastor Edidiong Idio, warmly welcomed the council boss and other defectors into the party. He described the defection as a “moment of political renewal” and assured the new entrants of a level playing field.
Pastor Idio then presented party insignias to Hon. Uwa, symbolizing his official induction into the APC. “Just as Hon. Stephen Ntukekpo and the State Working Committee (SWC) welcomed Governor Umo Eno, I welcome you into this party with the powers conferred on me as the bonafide Chapter Chairman,” he added.
Declaring his decision to join the APC, the Member Representing Etim Ekpo/Ika State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Mfon Idung, thanked the party leadership for warmly welcoming him. He used the occasion to express his disapproval over renewed attempts to sow division within the local political ranks.
According to Rt. Hon. Idung, while political realignments are a natural part of democratic evolution, they must not be allowed to breed disunity or parallel structures that could undermine collective progress.
Speaking in the same vein, former Member of the House of Representatives for Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ekon, hailed the defection as a necessary step toward strengthening progressive leadership in the area. He reiterated his support for the APC’s growing momentum and echoed calls for cohesion and strategic focus as the party positions itself for future electoral victories.
The defection was witnessed by notable chieftains of the APC, including former Transition Chairman, Barr. Mbetobong Okpongette, and former Chairman of Council, Rt. Hon. Uduot Jack, PhD. They all described the move as a “bold step toward unity and purpose,” calling for a new era of cooperation and focused leadership.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Leader of Council, Rt. Hon. Uduak Lawrence Joseph, who spoke on behalf of all councillors; Dean of the College of Supervisors, Hon. Uko Ekpoudom, who spoke on behalf of supervisors and special advisers; and the College of Personal Aides to the Governor, represented by Mr. Ataobong Akpan, who also declared support for the APC in solidarity with Governor Umo Eno.
The high point of the event included a vote of confidence passed on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno. The motion was moved by Dr. Kingsley Uwa and seconded by Rt. Hon. Uduot Jack. The ceremony concluded with the hoisting of the APC flag at the Chairman’s office.
