37,874 People Defect to PDP in Akwa Ibom

In a significant political development, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, welcomed a substantial influx of 37,874 former members of opposition parties into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). These individuals, who previously belonged to parties like the All Progressives Congress (APC), Young Progressives Party (YPP), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), were received by the governor during a formal ceremony.

Governor Eno, while addressing the returnees, emphasized the importance of respect for leaders, urging them to uphold principles of humility, compassion, and support for constituted authorities. He stressed that the PDP promotes a culture of respect and unity, essential for fostering growth and progress in the state. Eno urged the defectors to integrate fully into the PDP structure by relinquishing their past affiliations and committing to the party’s values.

Assuring equal opportunities for all members within the PDP, Governor Eno reiterated the party’s inclusive stance, emphasizing the need for unity among Akwa Ibom’s diverse ethnic groups. He commended the defectors for recognizing the importance of peace and unity in achieving progress, underscoring the party’s commitment to accommodating everyone for the collective benefit of the state.

The state PDP chairman, Aniekan Akpan, echoed the governor’s sentiments, describing the rally as a significant event that demonstrated the party’s strength and unity. He assured the returnees, many of whom were former PDP leaders, of full reintegration into the party’s fold and pledged to work closely with them to further strengthen the PDP in Akwa Ibom. Leaders of other parties, speaking on behalf of the returnees, expressed gratitude to Governor Eno for his administration’s achievements and pledged their commitment to the PDP’s cause.