President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State that he will neither be forsaken nor humiliated following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

The reassurance came on Saturday during a grand reception held in honour of the governor at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. Representing the president, Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Governor Eno’s decision to join the ruling party, describing it as a bold and wise move.

 

“President Tinubu is a bridge-builder. Your decision to come to APC is one you will never regret. You won’t be humiliated or forsaken. We are a family, not just a party,” Shettima said.

 

 

 

He also reaffirmed APC’s commitment to Governor Eno’s vision, adding that the party stood by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during challenging times and would do the same for Eno.

 

In his remarks, Akpabio applauded the governor’s courage and noted that Eno had long supported President Tinubu’s administration. He revealed that one of Eno’s major requests at the federal level was the realisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport, and promised that the project would be delivered—alongside additional federal support.

 

“You placed the peace and development of Akwa Ibom above party lines. We’ll give you more than you asked for,” Akpabio said, while pledging that APC would secure a stronghold in the South-South ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

 

 

Governor Umo Eno, in his address, confirmed his official defection on June 6, saying it was driven by a desire to align with the federal government and support its economic reforms. He reiterated his appeal for federal backing to make the Ibom Deep Seaport a reality after over 30 years of failed attempts.

 

“We’ve taken the risk to join APC. Our reward should be the Ibom Deep Seaport,” Eno declared.

 

 

 

Also speaking at the event, APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, welcomed Eno to what he called the “progressive family,” describing him as a visionary who understands the importance of national unity. He noted that with four governors in the South-South now under APC, the region is moving closer to full political alignment, which would make addressing its challenges easier.

 

“Political uniformity in the region will enhance cooperation and development,” Ganduje said.