…says: ‘I never left the APC. My appointment was on merit, not on political party consideration’
Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State last Saturday moved from the PDP to APC amidst fanfare at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
In this interview with some media houses in Uyo, the Governor’s Personal Assistant on Local Media, Thomas Thomas asserts that the political developments in the State is a fulfilment of his prophecies in the Global Concord Newspaper a decade ago.
EXCERPTS:
We have known you to be a hardliner in opposition politics until recently when you crossed to the PDP, but now you are back to your party, the APC…
THOMAS: No, I have always been in the APC, I didn’t move. The fact that the governor had appointed me as one of his aides doesn’t mean I defected. He found me worthy and appointed me based on merit, not on the basis of political party affiliation. No. The governor is a very different politician. So, I did not leave the APC. I was only serving the government in the interest of development and good governance. And today, the alignment has happened. Light has met light.
So, how do you feel now that Akwa Ibom State has become an APC State?
Thomas: I feel good. I have always known that the State will become an APC enclave eventually. It’s a fulfilment of my consistent prophecies. I have said countless times that APC would govern Akwa Ibom State, and it has come to pass. There is a divine timetable for everything. I wrote about it over ten years ago in Global Concord, that the progressive wind would blow across this State—and here we are. It is not just a political transition; it is a spiritual and generational shift.
What do you think are the benefits of Akwa Ibom becoming an APC State?
Thomas: First of all, let’s talk about integration. For too long, Akwa Ibom has been politically isolated at the federal level. Now, we are aligned. That means direct access to the federal government, its policies, appointments, and interventions. We are no longer in opposition. We are at the centre of national development conversations.
Secondly, it opens the floodgates for infrastructure and investments. The APC government at the centre can now confidently collaborate with the State without fears of sabotage or hostility. Projects that were stalled due to political differences will now receive attention. Look at what has happened in other APC States—Kano, Borno, Lagos—they benefit because of alignment. That’s what we’re bringing home.
Thirdly, young people in Akwa Ibom now have a clearer political ladder to climb. As an APC State, they can now benefit from federal empowerment programs, youth-based interventions, and leadership opportunities that were previously unavailable or politicized.
And finally, there’s the unity of purpose. Politics has always divided our people, but this realignment is healing old wounds. You can feel the excitement, the sense of purpose, the hope. The people have embraced the progressive movement not just because of the name APC, but because of the possibilities it carries for their future.
Do you think this new direction will affect development positively?
Thomas: Absolutely. Development thrives in harmony. What we are seeing is not just a political realignment but an administrative rebirth. The governor has proven himself as a man of peace and progress. Now that he is working hand-in-hand with the federal government, expect a major economic turnaround. Expect federal roads fixed, federal presence strengthened, and new policies implemented that will transform Akwa Ibom from a civil service State into a productive, competitive economy.
What do you say to critics who think this move was a betrayal of mandate?
Thomas: They are entitled to their opinions, but let me be clear—leadership is about service, not sentiments. The governor did not swear allegiance to a party but to the people of Akwa Ibom. And he is making this move to bring the best to our people. If you look beyond emotions, you’ll see that this was inevitable. It is not betrayal; it is wisdom. He has just ensured that Akwa Ibom is not left behind in the next chapter of Nigeria’s political journey.
So what as a parting shot, is your message to the people of Akwa Ibom on the heels of this political development?
Thomas: I want to tell Akwa Ibomites, my people, that this is a new dawn. Let us embrace it with open arms. Let’s throw away the bitterness of the past and join hands to build a better future. Now is the time for unity, loyalty, and forward-thinking. The future is here—and it wears the colours of progress. The APC colours. Let’s go to work.
It was nice sharing thoughts with you. Thank you, Sir.
Thomas: It’s my pleasure.
