A former nationwide authorized adviser of the Peoples Democratic Celebration (PDP), Mr Emmanuel Enoidem, has disclosed that Governor Umo Eno personally pressured him to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The revelation comes forward of the 2027 common elections in Akwa Ibom State, the place political alignments are quickly altering.
Enoidem, who stated he had been with the PDP since 1999, defined that his resolution was not sudden.
He acknowledged that repeated emotional appeals from Governor Eno weakened his resolve and ultimately made him abandon the social gathering he helped construct.
The distinguished politician made this identified throughout a closed-door assembly with political leaders on the Uyo residence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The assembly lasted into the early hours of Friday and preceded his formal defection.
Describing the stress he confronted, Enoidem stated the governor despatched him a number of messages that troubled him deeply.
“Governor Umo Eno despatched me a textual content message that gave me sleepless nights; he advised me he’s empty with out me,” he stated.
He added that the governor repeatedly appealed to him at public gatherings and personal conferences.
“I bear in mind very properly when he advised me he was becoming a member of the APC; the governor didn’t relaxation. At each level he sees me, whether or not in church or at any occasion, he would inform me ‘my brother, I’m very empty with out you.’”
Enoidem additional narrated {that a} explicit message despatched on January 9 affected him for days.
“On January 9, the governor despatched me a textual content message that saved me awake for 3 completely different days. For 3 completely different days I couldn’t sleep due to that individual textual content message.”
In response to him, he requested for time to wish earlier than making a choice.
“My reply was that I need to pray for 3 days; that he ought to watch for that three days to come back. He later stormed my home with leaders of Akwa Ibom State that we used to work collectively for him.”
He stated that go to sealed his resolution.
“That evening, it was inconceivable for me to say no to the governor. And that has given delivery to this assembly as we speak.”
On the gathering, Enoidem expressed pleasure at reuniting with Senate President Akpabio, whom he beforehand served underneath as a commissioner when Akpabio was governor between 2007 and 2015.
His official defection came about in Utu Etim Ekpo, the headquarters of Etim Ekpo Native Authorities Space.
Governor Umo Eno attended the occasion alongside Senate President Akpabio, members of the State Govt Council, social gathering leaders, elders and APC stakeholders.
Throughout the ceremony, assurances got that President Bola Tinubu, Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno would safe second phrases in workplace. Supporters have been urged to mobilise voters and strengthen social gathering constructions throughout the state.
Following Enoidem’s exit, just a few notable figures are believed to stay within the PDP in Akwa Ibom. They embody former Governor Udom Emmanuel, the social gathering’s publicity secretary Iniobong Ememobong, and former Speaker of the State Home of Meeting, Onofiok Luke.
Reacting to considerations that Akwa Ibom could also be drifting towards a one-party system, the Commissioner for Data, Dr Aniekan Umanah, dismissed the declare.
He stated the political motion shouldn’t be seen as domination by one social gathering however as a collective effort for unity and improvement.
Nevertheless, Enoidem described the scenario as “one, united Akwa Ibom” reasonably than a threat to democracy.