ONNA PDP Defectors Reconfirm APC Membership, Call for Grassroots Mobilization

ONNA PDP Defectors Reconfirm APC Membership, Call for Grassroots Mobilization

PDP members from ONNA Local Government Area who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside His Excellency, Pst. Umo Eno, PhD, have reconfirmed their membership in the ruling party with a firm commitment to grassroots mobilization and party strengthening ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Otuekong Patrick Ifon speaking at the meeting

At a reconfirmation meeting held on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Mac Love Resort, East-West-Ndon Eyo Road, key stakeholders and new members of the APC came together to reaffirm their earlier registration and recommit to the cause of the party under the leadership of Governor Umo Eno and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Convener of the meeting and immediate past member of the House of Representatives, Otuekong Patrick Ifon, a former PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) member, emphasized the purpose of the gathering, which was to take stock of those who had truly followed the Governor to the APC.

Mr. Emem Bob, Commissioner for Finance, Akwa Ibom State 

“The Governor, before moving to the APC, consulted widely, including at the local government level, and asked that we join him in connecting the state to the center for greater benefits,” Ifon said.

He urged members to roll up their sleeves and work to increase the party’s numerical strength, ensuring victory for both the Governor and President Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

He further clarified that the Governor’s move should not be interpreted as a call to insult his predecessor. “In moving to APC, the Governor has not asked anyone to insult the former Governor,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Finance, who also oversees Special Duties and the Ibom Deep Seaport, Emem Bob, explained that the Governor’s decision to join the APC was not born out of hatred for the PDP but rather due to the challenges the party faces at the national level.

“The Governor’s movement to the APC is not because he hates the PDP, but predicated on the struggles of the party at the national level,” Bob noted.

He echoed the call for calm and respect towards the former Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, who has opted to remain in the PDP.

“This movement does not in any way translate into insulting the former Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel. Our focus should be on mobilizing and ensuring a seamless victory for the Governor and President Tinubu come 2027,” he added.

Bob urged members to take advantage of the revalidation exercise to boost membership registration and reinforce the party’s grassroots base.

Ekerete Udoh, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, described the move to the APC as “strategic” and one that requires collective backing. “This movement to the APC is strategic and needs all the support we can mobilize,” he stated.

Other speakers at the event included the Accountant General of the state, Uwem Andrew-Essien; immediate past member of the House of Assembly, Nse Essien; former House of Representatives member, Owoideghe Ekpottai, PhD; and former chairmen Ufot Sunday, Iniekpo Akpanekpo, and Fabian Obot. They emphasized the need for immediate action, unity, and collaboration with the local chapter of the APC to chart a clear path forward.

The meeting resolved unanimously to initiate discussions with the APC chapter leadership to align their efforts and ensure synergy as the 2027 elections draw near.

Among those in attendance were Ufot Sunday – former Chairman; Ekerete Udoh – CPS; Uwem Andrew Essien – Accountant General; Owoideghe Ekpottai, PhD – former NASS member; Barr. Ime Ekpottai – former Commissioner; Emem Bob – Commissioner of Finance and overseeing Special Duties and Deep Seaport; Iniabasi Ekanem – Former Chairman; Fabian Obot; Sam Frank – former NDDC Commissioner; Etiene Bob – Commissioner, Local Government Service Commission; Imoh Attat – former Chairman; Ini Ikott – former member, AKHA; Iniekpo Akpanekpo – former Chairman; Godwin Oton – former Chairman; Rose Wills – Special Assistant to the Governor; Barr. Akan Idem, Nelson Ntia, all ward PAs, and several other dignitaries.