On Wednesday, members of Akwa Ibom’s Young Progressives Party (YPP) defected to the state’s ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The defectors, who included chapter chairmen and YPP state officers, came from all 31 Akwa Ibom local government areas.
During the ceremony held at the Ibom Hall ground, IBB Way, Uyo, the state capital, the former National/State YPP Youths Caucus, Prince Kini Ikpeme, said the decision to dump YPP became necessary in order to support Governor Umo Eno in the effective implementation of the administration’s policies and programs under his ‘ARISE Agenda.’
He said, “While we were in the sinking ship of the YPP, we still had the determination to stand firm to the last. Our promise is that we will double that effort and determination to stand with you throughout your tenure. We promise to abide by the rules and regulations of PDP; we will be loyal to our party, the PDP.”
Receiving the defectors back to the PDP fold, the State Chairman of the party, Rt. Elder Aniekan Akpan, commended the former YPP Youth Caucus for emptying their structure back to the PDP, adding that this is a demonstration of their love for Akwa Ibom State.
He said: “Your decision to come back to your political home, the PDP, shows that all of you have recognized the need for Akwa Ibom State to continue on the path of sustained progress and development.”
“You have come back to PDP at the very right time. Elections have finished and now is the time for governance. I know that you have come to join in supporting our dear governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to deliver good governance to Akwa Ibom people.”
On his part, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong, lauded the courage of the defectors to identify with good progress by returning to the PDP and to support the ARISE Agenda of Gov. Umo Eno, stating that as a father of the state, the Governor is always ready to work with everyone in delivering on the promise.
“You have done the right thing by coming back to the party that has produced successive and successful administrations in Akwa Ibom State since the return of democracy in 1999. This is the same party that has produced the government of Pastor Umo Eno, a man who has shown exceptional leadership so far. You are on the right track,” he said.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Matters, Hon. Ini Akpan, welcomed the defectors and assured them of due inclusion and synergy in the course of Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which he said is a youth-friendly leader.