*Why I am leaving my former party – Enoidem, SAN
…Gov. Eno, Sen. Akpabio link Enoidem’s entry to peace, unity, and accelerated development
In a decisive move aligned with the unifying call of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, to advance the ARISE Agenda of his administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has recorded a significant political realignment with the formal reception of Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN, former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The grand reception ceremony, held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Etim Ekpo Township Stadium, Utu Etim Ekpo, attracted a large gathering of party faithful, political leaders, and supporters who converged to formally welcome Barr. Enoidem into the APC fold.
Present to receive the new entrant were the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, and Nigeria’s Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, alongside other top government and party officials.
Speaking at the event, Governor Umo Eno thanked Barr. Enoidem for taking what he described as a courageous and enlightened decision in the overriding interest of the state. The Governor acknowledged Enoidem’s significant role in his political journey, particularly his emergence as Governor in 2023, and expressed optimism that the move would further strengthen peace and unity across the state.
Governor Eno noted that his administration had executed no fewer than 25 projects in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area within two years, adding that with the synergy of leaders such as Barr. Enoidem, Senator Akpabio, and other stakeholders, Etim Ekpo would continue to witness accelerated development.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the occasion as a personal reconnection with one of his political mentees. He stated that Barr. Enoidem’s entry into the APC would usher in lasting peace across Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Abak Federal Constituency, and the entire Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, effectively signaling an end to opposition politics in the area.
Senator Akpabio added that the development would make governance easier and more effective, while reeling out several constituency projects executed in Etim Ekpo.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area commended Governor Umo Eno for his bridge-building leadership style and thanked Senator Akpabio for remaining a beacon of hope to the people of Akwa Ibom State. He applauded the Governor’s numerous development initiatives in the local government and praised Barr. Enoidem for what he described as a selfless decision to join the progressive family, noting that Enoidem had been instrumental to his own political journey.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; the Member representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, Hon. Clement Jimbo; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) and Chairman, National Assembly Service Commission, Dr. Saviour Enyekere; the APC Woman Leader; Director-General of Campaigns, Chief Assam Assam; APC Chapter Chairman in Etim Ekpo, Pastor Edidiong Idio—flanked by the Ward Chairman from Barr. Enoidem’s ward. Speakers unanimously described the ceremony as a testament to the purposeful and unifying leadership of Governor Umo Eno and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
They commended Barr. Enoidem for his decision to join hands with the APC in advancing the Renewed Hope Initiative of the Federal Government and the ARISE Agenda of the Akwa Ibom State Government.
he high point of the event was the official induction of Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN, his wife, and thousands of supporters into the APC—a process conducted by the State Chairman of the party, Mr. Stephen Ntukekpo.
Responding, Barr. Enoidem described the occasion as historic, stating that while the decision to join the APC was not an easy one, it was taken in the best interest of the state. Emphasizing that politics is local, he said his move was driven by his love for Etim Ekpo Local Government Area and his desire for the overall progress of Akwa Ibom State.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; members of the National and State Assemblies, including Senator Ita Enang, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, and Senator Dr. Aloysius Etok; the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; members of the State Executive Council; and other top government dignitaries.
