Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has formally commenced the All Progressives Congress (APC) membership revalidation and registration drive in the state. The governor, who validated his own membership at Ibiakpan Obotim Ward II in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, emphasized the importance of the exercise for all party members and aspiring members. Receiving registration number 001, Governor Eno highlighted the need for this process to ascertain the genuine members of the party and urged everyone to participate at their respective wards. This revalidation and registration period, he declared, would span one month, after which the newly compiled membership register would become the official document recognizing legitimate party members. The governor specifically called upon those who had joined him in his recent move to the APC to actively engage in this registration process at their ward levels, solidifying their commitment and alignment with the party.
Following his registration, Governor Eno interacted with Government House Correspondents, expressing his contentment with the seamless execution of the exercise and appealing to party members to exercise patience and maintain order throughout the process. He described his validation as a necessary step for all party members and reiterated his strategic decision to align with the APC at the national level. This move, he stated, was driven by his desire to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic transformation agenda for Nigeria and to stand behind Senator Godswill Akpabio, also from Akwa Ibom, in his leadership role as Senate President. Governor Eno stressed the significance of unity, peace, and love within Akwa Ibom State, emphasizing that a united populace is a progressive one, echoing the symbolism of the party’s broom logo. He urged members to maintain unity and acquire their party membership cards upon registration.
The governor’s participation in the registration drive was symbolic, signifying his formal entry into the APC and setting the stage for a wider embrace of the party within the state. By obtaining the symbolic registration number 001, Governor Eno positioned himself as a leading figure in the APC within Akwa Ibom, further solidifying his commitment to the party and its national agenda. His emphasis on unity and peaceful participation underscored his aim to facilitate a smooth transition and integration of new members into the APC fold. The governor’s messaging also sought to frame his move to the APC as a strategic decision benefitting the state, linking it to national development objectives and the prominent position of Senator Akpabio in the Senate.
The one-month timeframe for the revalidation and registration exercise provides a defined period for party members and newcomers to formalize their membership. This structured approach aims to create a comprehensive and updated record of APC members in Akwa Ibom State, laying the groundwork for future party activities and political engagement. By tying the validity of membership to this registration process, the APC aims to strengthen its internal organization and ensure a clear understanding of its support base. The governor’s call for an orderly and patient approach is crucial for managing a potentially large influx of individuals seeking registration, particularly given the political context of his recent switch to the APC.
The emphasis on unity, peace, and love reflects a broader political strategy to mitigate potential divisions or friction arising from political realignments. The governor’s use of the broom analogy, symbolizing the APC’s strength in unity, reinforces the message of collective action and shared purpose. This appeal for harmony is particularly relevant in a state undergoing political shifts, and it underscores the governor’s commitment to inclusive governance and collaborative efforts within the APC. By focusing on shared goals and a common ancestry, the governor aims to create a sense of collective identity amongst party members and foster a spirit of cooperation for the betterment of Akwa Ibom.
The reported high turnout at the Ibiakpan Obotim Ward II registration center suggests a positive response to the governor’s call for participation and potentially indicates growing support for the APC in the state. The enthusiasm and excitement observed among the participants signify a potential wave of new members joining the APC, potentially reshaping the political landscape of Akwa Ibom. This strong turnout could be attributed to various factors, including the governor’s influence, the allure of aligning with the ruling party at the national level, and the prominence of Senator Akpabio in the Senate.
The successful execution of this membership revalidation and registration exercise holds significant implications for the future of the APC in Akwa Ibom State. A robust and updated membership roster will empower the party to effectively mobilize its base, implement its political strategies, and contest future elections with greater strength. Moreover, the smooth integration of new members, particularly those following Governor Eno’s lead, is crucial for building a cohesive and unified party structure capable of achieving its political objectives in the state. The exercise serves as a foundational step in consolidating the APC’s presence and influence in Akwa Ibom, setting the stage for future political contests and governance strategies.
