Security Beefed Up in Akwa Ibom as Tinubu, Akpabio Set to Receive Governor Eno Into APC

Security has been beefed up across key locations in Akwa Ibom State ahead of a high-profile political event on Saturday, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio are expected to officially welcome Governor Umo Eno into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The event, which is scheduled to take place in Uyo, the state capital, is already drawing attention from across the country as it signals a major political realignment in the South-South region.

Security agencies, including the police, civil defence corps, and other paramilitary outfits, have reportedly deployed personnel to strategic points within and around the venue to ensure a smooth and incident-free ceremony. Patrol units have also been activated along major roads leading to the state capital.

Governor Umo Eno, who was elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is widely speculated to have concluded plans to defect to the APC a move that would significantly alter the political dynamics in Akwa Ibom and possibly in the South-South geopolitical zone.

Sources within the APC say the defection is part of a broader effort to consolidate the party’s grip ahead of future elections, with President Tinubu and Senate President Akpabio leading the charge to attract influential political figures into the ruling party.

The anticipated defection of Governor Eno comes amid growing speculation over his strained relationship with PDP powerbrokers in the state and the central government’s push for political alignment across party lines.