Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Friday warmly received Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State at his residence in Uyo, hours after the governor officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a video capturing the moment, Governor Eno is seen arriving in high spirits, accompanied by a delegation of APC governors and allies. The video also shows the Senate President embracing the governor amid cheers and warm exchanges.
Earlier in the day, Governor Eno had formally declared his defection to the APC during a high-profile ceremony at the Akwa Ibom Government House, witnessed by governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Monday Okpebholo (Edo).
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu followed the event closely from his residence in Lagos.
“After completing the rounds of my consultation as your servant whom you have elected to serve, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the APC,” Governor Eno declared during the event.
In 2024, Akpabio stated that the APC aimed to secure all six South-South states during the 2027 general elections. At that time, the party controlled only Edo and Cross River.
With Eno’s defection, Akwa Ibom joins the APC column, leaving just Bayelsa and Rivers under PDP leadership.