Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Lovina Anthony
Published on 2024-03-22 18:55:02
On Friday, March 22, 2024, a significant development took place in Akwa Ibom State as a total of 37,874 members from various opposition parties decided to join the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The defectors consisted of individuals from parties such as the All Progressives Congress (APC), Young Progressives Party (YPP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and others.
Representing the defectors, former state secretary of the APC, Nkereuwem Enyong Ekere, and Emmanuel Uko Etteh of the YPP expressed their willingness to disband their existing structures and align themselves with the PDP. Their decision to join forces with the ruling party was well received at the PDP Secretariat in Atan Offot, Uyo, where they were welcomed by Governor Umo Eno.
During the reception, Governor Eno emphasized the importance of unity and respect within the party, urging the new members not to engage in disrespect or attacks against their leaders, especially at the national level. He emphasized the values of humility, compassion, and respect for authority, highlighting the need for a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere for growth and progress.
Governor Eno assured the defectors of equal opportunities to serve within the party and the state, as he reiterated the inclusive nature of the PDP. The state PDP chairman, Aniekan Akpan, described the reception rally as a significant event, likening it to the momentum witnessed during a previous rally in December 2022.
Akpan pledged to fully integrate the returnees, many of whom were former leaders within the PDP, back into the party fold. He presented the defectors to Governor Eno and the people of the state, expressing confidence in the current administration’s achievements within a short period of nine months.
The party chairman also highlighted the meticulous data compilation of all the returnees, showcasing the significant number of individuals who expressed their interest in coming back to the PDP. This data was gathered from various units, wards, and local government areas where the defectors originated from.
The synergy between the PDP leadership, the governor, and the new members was evident as plans for collaboration and unity were laid out to ensure the continuous growth and success of the party in the state. The reintegration of former leaders into the PDP family signified a vote of confidence in the party’s direction and the leadership of Governor Umo Eno.
Overall, the mass defection of 37,874 members from various opposition parties to the PDP marked a significant shift in the political landscape of Akwa Ibom State, setting a positive tone for unity, progress, and inclusivity within the ruling party.
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