The acting National Chairperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has expressed strong optimism that the party will emerge victorious in the 2027 governorship and other elections in Akwa Ibom State, despite the recent defection of Governor Umo Eno to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Damagum made this statement on Tuesday in Abuja when he received two prominent Akwa Ibom politicians—former member of the House of Representatives, Onofiok Luke, and former Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Ini Ememobong—at the PDP national headquarters. Both men are well-known political figures in the state and have chosen to remain with the PDP, resisting pressure to defect alongside Governor Eno.
During the meeting, which was also attended by the PDP National Youth Leader, Muhammed Suleiman, and the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, Damagum commended the loyalty and principles of Ememobong, a former PDP Publicity Secretary in Akwa Ibom, for refusing to defect. Instead of joining the APC, Ememobong resigned from his position in the state cabinet shortly after the governor’s defection.
Onofiok Luke, who previously served as Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and represents the same Nsit Ubium Local Government Area as Governor Eno, also maintained his commitment to the PDP. The two leaders later shared photos and brief statements about their visit to Damagum on their Facebook pages, expressing their continued belief in the PDP’s ideology and future.
Speaking during the meeting, Damagum described Ememobong as a principled politician who is not swayed by “every wind of inconvenience.” He emphasised that many credible and loyal PDP stalwarts remain active and influential in Akwa Ibom and are committed to ensuring the party’s continued success.
“With these individuals and the historical support that the PDP enjoys in Akwa Ibom, we are confident that the party will not only retain its influence but also win the governorship and all other elective positions in the 2027 elections,” Damagum declared.