APC extends olive branch to defectors, welcomes Gov Eno

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APC extends olive branch to defectors, welcomes Gov Eno

In a major political realignment, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno officially defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday, marking a significant boost for President Bola Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 elections.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu at a packed rally in Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, declared that Eno’s move was a “homecoming” and assured him of full integration into the APC fold. The event, attended by top APC figures including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, sent a strong message of the ruling party’s expanding dominance in the traditionally PDP-leaning South-South region.

Shettima framed Eno’s defection as a validation of Tinubu’s leadership, describing the president as a “bridge-builder” and “deep-rooted democrat” who had long championed inclusive politics.

“Mr. President asked me to assure you: no one will question your place here. This party is your home,” Shettima told Eno, emphasizing that the APC rewards loyalty and merit. The VP’s remarks appeared aimed at dispelling fears of marginalization among new defectors, a recurring issue in Nigeria’s often factionalized party politics.

The VP also took the opportunity to laud Tinubu’s democratic credentials, recalling his role in opposing military rule and building the APC into a “movement, not just a political platform.” Analysts view this as a strategic narrative to counter opposition criticism of Tinubu’s administration amid economic hardships.

Governor Eno justified his defection as necessary to align with the federal government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” citing stalled projects like the Akwa Ibom Deep Sea Port as motivation. “I join to support Mr. President’s bold economic reforms,” he said, signaling a shift toward federal collaboration.

However, PDP leaders swiftly condemned the move. A spokesperson for the party’s national chapter called it a “betrayal of the South-South’s political legacy,” while local PDP members accused Eno of “opportunism.” Political analyst Dr. Ibrahim Sani noted that the defection could weaken the PDP’s hold on the Niger Delta but warned that Eno risks backlash if federal promises remain unfulfilled.

The rally doubled as a show of strength for the APC’s South-South ambitions. Senate President Akpabio, a former Akwa Ibom governor, framed the event as a “movement, not just defection,” claiming the region had “returned to its natural alliance with the center.” Cross River Governor Bassey Otu, once the lone APC governor in the zone, celebrated the shift, declaring, “The Renewed Hope Agenda has been birthed here.”

APC Chairman Ganduje handed Eno the party’s flag and broom, symbolizing his formal induction. The move consolidates the APC’s influence in the oil-rich region, though observers question whether this will translate into electoral gains given lingering discontent over fuel subsidy removal and inflation.

With Tinubu’s second-term bid looming, Eno’s defection signals the APC’s aggressive poaching strategy. Shettima’s reassurance that defectors “will not be humiliated” may encourage more PDP governors to cross over, particularly in the South-East and South-South. However, the opposition is likely to frame such defections as evidence of the APC’s desperation to stifle dissent.

As the 2027 race heats up, Akwa Ibom’s political landscape—and the South-South’s loyalty—will be a key battleground. For now, Tinubu’s camp is celebrating a major victory.