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.”

The President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has described the recent wave of military coups in West Africa as not just a threat to democracy but an “economic emergency” that undermines the region’s growth prospects.

Speaking through Ghana’s Finance Minister at the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) in Abuja on Saturday, President Mahama warned that economic integration and trade cannot thrive in an atmosphere of political instability.

“Trade cannot flourish where democracy is in retreat. Investment does not land where governance is broken.

“The recent wave of instability and military takeovers in our region is not just a security concern—it is an economic emergency. We must defend democracy as a prerequisite for prosperity.

“Let West African leaders recommit to constitutional order—not as an abstract ideal, but as a practical requirement for growth. We cannot unlock trade while our region is locked in conflict,” Mahama was quoted as saying.

In January 2025, ECOWAS formally acknowledged the withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso—now members of the Alliance of Sahel States—following tensions rooted in the 2023 Niger coup.

To this end, Mahama called for the creation of an ECOWAS Charter on Democratic Stability and Economic Development, linking good governance with access to regional investment support.

The president urged leaders to recommit to constitutional order as a practical foundation for development, rather than merely a political ideal.

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.