By our reporter
Amid scare in some circles of a looming one-party nation, President Bola Tinubu today said the current trend where several opposition politicians are jumping ship to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is for safety reasons.
He did not explain in greater detail at the APC National Summit in Abuja, where he, among others, addressed the controversial subject of Nigeria veering towards a one-party state under his watch.
However, he said he expects more politicians to join the APC.
As he spoke, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, an opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor, reportedly revealed to the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting today in Uyo, the state capital, that he will soon join the APC.
He also reportedly threatened any appointive office holder who would not follow him on his new voyage, to resign their appointment.
Tinubu said: “I just need to tell those who say a one-party system is not good.
“You don’t blame a people bailing out of a sinking ship when they have no life jackets.
“I’m glad for what we have, and I’m expecting more to come. That is the game. Welcome to progress; sweep them clean.”
Recall that Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, quit the PDP and, alongside his immediate predecessor and Vice-presidential
candidate of PDP in the 2023 polls, Ifeanyi Okowa, cabinet members and others, berthed in the APC recently.
Since then, rumours have kept swirling that Gov. Eno has concluded plans to join APC.
Today, at the SEC meeting, the rumours appeared to get a life as he reportedly disclosed his next port of call.
A source close to the governor said Eno pointedly told his appointees that his order was final and clear: move with him to APC or quit their positions, adding that he would not negotiate his stance with them.
“Anybody who claims he is not aware of my intention to leave the PDP is still living in the 18th century.
“Apart from elected officials like House of Assembly members and Local Government Chairmen, I have nothing to negotiate with you.
“Let me tell you, anybody who believes that when I leave the PDP he will use the party structure to fight me is lying, because I will still control the PDP structure,” the Gov. reportedly stated.
Justifying his reason for the proposed new political direction, he was said to have informed them that he loves President Tinubu’s leadership style.
Speaking to newsmen on the matter, Director of the APC Media Network, Mr. Iniobong John,
said: “It is no longer a rumour. I think there are some confirmations that the governor is defecting to the APC. Though unofficial, I can confirm that the governor is joining our party sooner or later.
“No official date has been confirmed yet, but all plans have been perfected for his defection to our party.”
To him, the proposed defection is wonderful news for Akwa Ibom APC in particular and the state generally, pointing out that the oil-producing Niger Delta State will now also benefit much more with connections to Abuja,the seat of national power.
