Eniidem, PDP Chieftain Who Ran Against Akpabio Defects to APC
Eniidem, PDP Chieftain Who Ran Against Akpabio Defects to APC
A former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Emmanuel Enoidem, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria was received into the party on Friday during a ceremony in his hometown, Etim Ekpo, Akwa Ibom State.
The move is highly significant as Mr. Enoidem was the PDP candidate for the Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial district in 2023. During that election, he was the primary challenger to Godswill Akpabio, who won the seat and became Senate President.
The defection ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including Senate President Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno.
This transition follows Governor Eno’s own recent defection, signaling a major political realignment that has effectively collapsed the PDP structure in the state.
Despite their current alliance, the relationship between the two men was previously defined by a bitter and public rivalry.
During the 2023 campaign, Mr. Enoidem was one of Akpabio’s most vocal critics, frequently questioning his character and political record.
At the height of their electoral battle, Mr. Enoidem famously attacked the Senate President’s credibility, stating that “Akpabio has no history of loyalty, not to God, not to any political party or any man.”
This statement highlighted the deep animosity that existed between them before this reconciliation.
Addressing the gathering on Friday, Akpabio’s media aide, Anietie Ekong, noted that many who once opposed the Senate President are now joining his fold.
He emphasized that in politics, there are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests.
The event concluded with Mr. Enoidem pledging his loyalty to his new party and the leadership of the Senate President. His exit marks a major blow to the PDP, which has dominated Akwa Ibom politics for over two decades.
