President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has assured that the federal government will protect the interests of Akwa Ibom State following the defection of Governor Pastor Umo Eno to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima at a formal reception in Uyo on Saturday, welcomed the governor and his supporters to the ruling party.

He pledged that Governor Eno would not be abandoned and would have no regrets about joining the APC.

According to Shettima, “The strength of any political party comes not from division, but from unity of purpose. We are here today because we understand that enduring power lies in standing together, not in isolation or internal strife.”

He emphasized that the APC is a party of the people, saying, “We believe in building bridges, not walls; in mending fences, not erecting new ones. Above all, we know that the strength of a political party lies in its people — the people are the party.”

Speaking directly to Governor Eno, Shettima added: “President Tinubu is a bridge-builder and a democrat. Your decision to join the APC is one you will never regret. You will not be humiliated or forsaken. You are home.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio believes more states like Rivers and Bayelsa – currently under the leadership of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming months.

Akpabio said this on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital, during the official reception of Umo Eno to the APC.

“Governor Sheriff of Delta State thank you for joining the progressive family and moving the South South in a progressive direction.

“Governor Umo Eno, after you, Rivers State will just tumble, after Rivers State, Bayelsa will join.

“We won election with Governor Otu in Edo State and we produced an amiable Monday Okpebholo, congratulations once again for your victory.”

In April, Eno had hinted at leaving the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for APC.

The governor had blamed the internal crisis within the PDP for his decision to leave the party for APC.

Demola Olarenwaju, the Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the media of adding to their challenges, especially on report of the adoption of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as the opposition coalition platform.


He said this on Saturday in a tweet on his X handle, adding that he was surprised at the wide reports that the ADC is the opposition coalition’s platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

”Nigerian newspapers often contribute to our challenges. A group is in the process of pursuing party registration, just like any other Nigerian, but they need to coordinate this with the coalition.


He maintained that ADA has not been adopted by the coalition, stressing that the public will be informed about the appropriate choices and decision reached by the coalition on ADA.

”ADA has not been adopted by the coalition, and when the time is right, the public will be informed about the appropriate choices and decisions. Just be patient with that.,” he wrote

Recall that the Nigeria National Coalition Group (NCG) formally wrote to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, seeking the registration of a new political party – All Democratic Alliance, ADA.

This has sparked speculations that Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufa’i, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and others would adopt ADA as their platform for the 2027 election.