Ahead of Governor Umo Eno’s planned defection, thousands of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) members in Esit Eket local government area of Akwa Ibom state have moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defectors from Ward 9 in Esit Eket were led to the APC by a former local government chairmanship aspirants, Eseme Udi, who vowed to ensure that APC takes over the state.

Udi, a philanthropist and community leader, hailed Governor Eno for charting the right political path for Akwa Ibom state, adding the state will fare better under APC.

He said,: ”The people of Ward 9 have been marginalized, deprived, and oppressed. We are tired of being neglected. The people were just waiting for someone to lead the way, and that time has come

“I have seen what the APC has done at the national level, I have the catalog of the activities of APC, and I believe there’s hope in the party. We are convinced that the APC will treat our people better than how PDP treated them.”

The APC In Esit Eket Ward 9, led by Ward Chairman Mr. Samuel Akpama, warmly welcomed Udi and his co-defectors to the party.

He expressed delight over the defection to his Party, he however advised them to be humble in order to benefit from whatever dividends that would accrue to the Party.

The Esit Eket chapter Chairman, Mr. Daniel Assam, described the defection as a “movement” rather than decamping.

“It’s not decamping, it’s a movement. We welcome you with open arms. We thank the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, for organising the party’s growth,” he added.

He assured the new members of equal rights and urged them to respect the party’s constitution. “Anybody who comes with interest should drop it,” he advised. “Let’s work together to achieve our goals. Every thing anybody wants is through consultation with the leadership of the Party”

The Chapter Chairman also reminded the defectors and members that the Party is guided by constitution and that calls for total respect for its provisions and strict adherence.

Dr. Usoro Akpanuso, the immediate past legislator who represented Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency at the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, said that Ward 9, is a very important part of politics Esit Eket. So for the entire Ward to empty into APC is a significant political development.

He attributed the defection to the Lord’s doing. “It’s a sign of the party’s growing strength,” he said. “The rate of defection to APC across the country is alarming. It can only be God who is behind this exodus. Imagine PDP that people said that it’s a religion, about to move enmas to APC. It is unbelievable.”

He praised Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his leadership. “The Senate President is the brain behind the growth of APC in Akwa Ibom State,” he said.

Deputy Leader of APC in Esit Eket local Government Area, Prince Enobong Harry, himself a former State Youth Leader of People’s Democratic Party, PDP, welcomed Pastor Udi and his supporters to APC. “Ward 9 is lucky to have a philanthropist like Pastor Eseme Udi join us,” he said.

He drew the attention of the people to the new look the Ward office now wears; the office painting, the new signboard and the new flags, he said is the handiwork of Eseme Udi.

“Let’s work together to build a stronger, more prosperous community.” Harry advised. (The Nation)