Power Shift in Akwa Ibom APC as Akpabio Hands Over Leadership to Governor Umo Eno!
In a significant political development, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has formally handed over the leadership and political structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State to the current State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno. This pivotal event took place on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Government House in Uyo, during the first meeting of APC stakeholders since Governor Eno's recent defection to the ruling party.
A Symbolic Handover:
The Broom of Leadership: Senator Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State and a prominent figure in the APC, symbolically handed over the broom – the universally recognized symbol of the APC – to Governor Eno. Akpabio remarked that this gesture signified the transfer of the party's leadership in the state, empowering Governor Eno to "sweep away poverty, underdevelopment, and disunity from Akwa Ibom."
A "Merger," Not an "Acquisition": The Senate President described Governor Eno's movement into the APC as a "merger" rather than an "acquisition," emphasizing a spirit of collaboration and unity within the party. He urged all party members to join hands in working for the progress and overall interest of the state.
Governor Eno's Strategic Move and Commitments:
Ending PDP's 26-Year Rule: Governor Umo Eno formally joined the APC last month, a move that effectively ended the 26-year dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, the platform on which he was originally elected governor.
Leveraging Federal Ties for Development: Governor Eno openly stated that his decision to join the APC was driven by the belief that it would facilitate the realization of crucial projects for Akwa Ibom. He specifically highlighted the Ibom Deep Seaport project, which has been a long-standing aspiration for over three decades. Eno expressed confidence that aligning with the ruling party at the center would secure federal government support for this and other developmental initiatives under his "ARISE Agenda."
Commitment to Party Ideology and 2027 Elections: Receiving the party structure, Governor Eno assured stakeholders, particularly Senator Akpabio, of his readiness to work closely with the party's hierarchy, supporting its ideology and interests for the overall good of the state. He also pledged his full commitment to working for the successful re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, and by extension, Senator Akpabio himself.
Inclusive Governance: Governor Eno reiterated his promise to remain the governor for all Akwa Ibom people, irrespective of political alignment, emphasizing his administration's inclusive governance philosophy known as the "Akwa Ibom United policy."
Akpabio's Vision and Endorsement:
Unifier and Visionary: Senator Akpabio lauded Governor Eno as "a great unifier, a man of foresight and vision," stating that the Governor's leadership has brought peace and unity to Akwa Ibom and repositioned it for future growth.
Achieving a Long-Held Vision: Akpabio remarked that his vision for a politically united Akwa Ibom had finally been fulfilled with Eno's "historic movement" to the APC. He recalled his own defection to the APC in 2018, noting his intention was to link the state to the national power grid, a vision he believes is now being realized under Eno's leadership.
Endorsement for Second Term: The event also saw a unanimous voice vote by APC stakeholders, proposed by Senator Akpabio, endorsing both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno for a second term in their respective offices.
This strategic political alignment is expected to reshape the political landscape of Akwa Ibom State, fostering closer ties with the federal government and potentially accelerating developmental projects within the state. Talksocialtalka will continue to monitor the implications of this significant handover.
