Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has assured Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is now his home.
Sheetima told Governor Eno, who recently defected to the APC, that he wouldn’t regret joining the party.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe vice president stated this during a grand reception held at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, on Saturday in honour of Governor Eno.
Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the grand reception, assured Eno that he would neither be humiliated nor his place in the APC questioned by anyone.
Prime Business Africa had reported that Governor Eno, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, recently announced his defection to the APC. This came after he declared support for Tinubu in the 2027 Presidential election.
“Mr. President asked me to assure you personally, no one will question your place here,” Shettima told Eno.
READ ALSO: Why I Moved From PDP To APC – Gov Eno
“The party is your home. You will not be humiliated. You will not be forsaken. We are your brothers and sisters in the high tide,” the vice president added.
Shettima, who said the party remains strong and united after 10 years of its creation, claimed that despite all odds, APC “remains the party to beat.”
The Vice President described Tinubu as “a bridge-builder and inveterate democrat,” adding he has made significant contributions to the sustenance of Nigeria’s democracy over the years.
The event was attended by APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and governors of the ruling party, including those of Imo, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Kwara, Kogi, Edo, Jigawa and Sokoto.
Speaking at the event, Senator Akpabio congratulated Eno for joining the APC, adding that he had focused attention on efforts to create and sustain the unity and progress of Akwa Ibom State, regardless of party affiliation.
The senate president assured that Tinubu would meet the expectations of the Akwa Ibom people regarding the completion of the Ibom Deep Seaport and other significant infrastructure projects in the South-South state.
Eno stated in his speech that Akwa Ibom State would benefit most from his decision to join the APC, adding that it is consistent with his pledge to back President Tinubu’s infrastructure and economic reforms.
“My progressive state movement is predicated on enlightened state interest—to support Mr President and finish the bold and audacious economic reforms he has started,” Eno stated.
On his part, Ganduje, who welcomed the governor into the APC, maintained that joining the party marked a shift from political isolation on a national level to political relevance.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.