Drama Unfolds As Akpabio Bows Out, Delivers APC Reins To Governor Umo Eno

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Friday formally transferred the All Progressives Congress (APC) political structure in Akwa Ibom State to Governor Umo Eno.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The symbolic handover took place at the Government House Banquet Hall in Uyo, where Akpabio declared Governor Eno as the new leader of the APC in the state.

“I hereby formally hand over the APC structure in Akwa Ibom to the new leader of the party,” Akpabio said, raising a symbolic broom. “This broom will sweep away poverty, disunity, and underdevelopment from our dear state.”

His announcement was met with resounding applause from party faithful and political stakeholders present at the event.

Governor Eno, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC last month, effectively ended the PDP’s 26-year dominance in Akwa Ibom. Though elected on the PDP platform, he said his switch to the APC was aimed at accelerating key development projects—especially the long-delayed Ibom Deep Seaport.

“We joined the APC not out of fear, but out of hope,” Eno declared. “With the federal government’s backing, we believe the Ibom Deep Seaport dream will finally be realised. Akwa Ibom has waited over 30 years for this.”

Also at the ceremony, former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, hailed Akpabio as a national leader of the party and confirmed Governor Eno as the party’s new state leader.

“From this day forward, Governor Eno leads the APC in Akwa Ibom. Senator Akpabio remains a respected national leader of the APC,” Ganduje stated.

The event drew APC stakeholders, lawmakers, and key political figures from across Nigeria—marking a significant shift in Akwa Ibom’s political landscape.

Governor Eno, in his closing remarks, thanked Akwa Ibom residents and pledged to govern inclusively, irrespective of party affiliations.

“I am a governor for all Akwa Ibomites,” he affirmed. “I will serve with fairness, equity, and the fear of God.”

The power transfer is expected to significantly reshape political alignments and development priorities in the oil-rich South-South state.