President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has extended a warm and dignified welcome to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, following his formal defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking through His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, during a grand reception held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, President Tinubu assured Governor Eno that he would never be humiliated, excluded, or left behind in his new political home. He described the APC as a party anchored on loyalty, discipline, and purposeful leadership, noting that Governor Eno’s decision to join the party was not only courageous but also a step towards deepening inclusive governance.

President Tinubu reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to support key development projects in Akwa Ibom State, including the Ibom Deep Seaport, in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda for national progress and prosperity.

The ceremony was attended by prominent leaders of the APC, including the President of the Senate, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio, APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, twenty-four serving governors, and several members of the National Assembly. In his remarks, Senator Akpabio commended Governor Eno’s bold political move, describing it as a rare demonstration of statesmanship and foresight.

Governor Umo Eno’s entry into the APC is widely seen as a significant political realignment in the South-South region, with strong indications that more high-profile defections may follow ahead of the 2027 general elections.

President Tinubu’s message was unequivocal: “No one who joins the APC will be abandoned. We are one family.”