By Uko Okon
Senator Ita Enang of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has hailed Governor Umo Eno’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, describing it as a strategic political realignment that will accelerate development in Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking in Uyo on Monday, Enang said the governor’s move to the APC on Friday, June 6, was a bold and commendable decision that has ignited excitement across the state.
“There is jubilation in the streets of Akwa Ibom following the governor’s alignment with the progressives. This is a clear signal of a new era for the state,” Enang stated.
The former Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly (Senate) and Niger Delta Affairs emphasized that Akwa Ibom’s linkage to the ruling party at the federal level would yield substantial benefits for the state.
“Between 1999 and 2015, when both the federal and state governments were under the PDP, Akwa Ibom experienced significant development. We saw major policy gains like the abolition of the onshore/offshore dichotomy under Governor Victor Attah, and remarkable infrastructural strides under Governor Godswill Akpabio,” he recalled.
Enang explained that his political journey since 2015 had been driven by a desire to see Akwa Ibom align with the centre for the sake of development.
“All my efforts since 2015 have been to ensure that Akwa Ibom is not left in the opposition. Being in the minority party comes with disadvantages, and I foresaw the decline of the PDP as early as 2014. That was why I joined the APC,” he said.
He further stated that despite his earlier attempts to work with former Governor Udom Emmanuel, those efforts were met with resistance.
“This is why I believe this is the best moment in all my years of struggle—to finally see the state and its governor aligned with the federal government,” he said. “It’s a dream fulfilled.”
Enang assured Governor Eno and all those who defected with him that every agreement and understanding reached with the APC would be honoured. He called on long-standing party members to remain calm and confident that all interests would be harmonized.
He emphasized that the APC in Akwa Ibom is now more united and committed to ensuring electoral victory in 2027 at both the state and federal levels, noting that the ultimate goal is to build a bigger and stronger party for all.
