In a significant political development, 37,874 members of opposition parties in Akwa Ibom State officially joined the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday, March 22, 2024.
The defectors comprised individuals from various parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Young Progressives Party (YPP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), among others.
Former state secretary of the APC, Nkereuwem Enyong Ekere, and Emmanuel Uko Etteh of the YPP, speaking on behalf of the defectors, expressed their willingness to dissolve their structures and work for the PDP.
Governor Umo Eno, receiving the defectors at the PDP Secretariat in Atan Offot, Uyo, urged them to show respect and support for their leaders, especially at the national level.
He emphasized the importance of humility, compassion, and respect for constituted authorities, noting that these are fundamental values of the PDP.
Eno assured the defectors of equal opportunities to serve in the party and the state, emphasizing that the PDP is inclusive and can accommodate everyone in Akwa Ibom State.
Aniekan Akpan, the state PDP chairman, described the reception rally as one of the largest in the state’s history, second only to a similar event in December 2022.
He assured the returnees, many of whom were former leaders of the PDP, of full reintegration into the party.
Akpan highlighted that the compiled data of all the returnees was available, demonstrating their significant numbers from all units, wards, and local government areas.
The event, which showcased a massive influx of members into the PDP, is seen as a significant boost to the party’s strength in Akwa Ibom State, ahead of future elections.
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