PDP Leader Who Contested Against Akpabio in 2023 Switches to Akpabio’s APC

Emmanuel Enoidem, who previously served as the national legal adviser for the PDP, is expected to defect to the ruling APC on Friday, January 23, in Akwa Ibom State.

Mr. Enoidem, who is recognized as a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), will be formally welcomed into the APC by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom at 3 p.m. today in Etim Ekpo, where he originates, as detailed in an announcement by the Akwa Ibom State Government's Facebook page.

In the 2023 senatorial election, Mr. Enoidem was the PDP candidate but was defeated by Mr. Akpabio, who ran under the APC ticket.

Notably, it is relevant to mention that at the time of the election, Mr. Akpabio was not serving as Senate President; he was seeking re-election after losing the 2019 senatorial race to Chris Ekpenyong, a member of the PDP and former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom.

Mr. Enoidem had previously declined the opportunity to be the PDP candidate for the Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial district election back in 2019, despite the insistence of his then-governor, Udom Emmanuel, as he did not wish to stand against Mr. Akpabio, who had appointed him as a commissioner in Akwa Ibom.

Although Mr. Enoidem was a prominent advocate for Governor Eno’s election in 2023 while remaining with the PDP, he chose not to follow the governor into the APC when the latter defected last June.

In a remarkable turn, Mr. Enoidem recently made a statement to PREMIUM TIMES, asserting that Mr. Akpabio's actions showed a tendency to undermine his allies in pursuit of political power. Enoidem recounted an incident where Akpabio advised his counsel to not endure too long in Udom Emmanuel’s government before stepping aside.

Mr. Enoidem served in various influential roles during Akpabio’s administration, including as the commissioner for Housing & Urban Renewal from 2013 to 2014, and later as the commissioner for Special Duties from 2013 to 2015. He played a crucial role in Akpabio's political ascendance, notably by purchasing the PDP nomination form for Akpabio's Senate run in 2015.

In light of Enoidem’s move to the APC, Governor Eno is reportedly viewing this as a significant victory, as he has been working to weaken the PDP's presence in the oil-rich state since his own defection to the APC in June. Following his directives, law enforcement has been stationed persistently at the PDP state secretariat in Uyo to hinder the party’s legitimate leadership from accessing the premises.

Anietie Ekong, a media aide to Mr. Akpabio, emphasized that Enoidem's defection serves as a political lesson for others. He stated that the political landscape in Akwa Ibom has changed dramatically, as many politicians are now eager to join the very party they once criticized.

Enoidem may have reconciled with Akpabio despite past opposition, expressing gratitude for being reconnected with his former mentor. The PDP has yet to release an official statement addressing Enoidem’s anticipated departure for the APC.