The Member representing Ikono-Ini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-udo, PhD, has officially announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This announcement was the high point of a Constituency Press Briefing held at Government Primary School, Ikot Odu, Ndiya, attended by stakeholders, constituents, friends of the constituency, and members of the media.
Addressing the gathering, Rep. Ukpong-udo explained that his decision followed months of deep reflection, consultation, and a sincere review of the political crisis rocking his former party, the Young Progressives Party (YPP). He cited the expulsion of the YPP State Secretary, the suspension of the State Chairman, and widespread infighting among chapter chairmen as major concerns that threatened party unity and distracted from the people’s mandate.
“Despite my best efforts to mediate and restore order, the divisions have deepened, and sadly, the crisis persists,” he said. “Following all these concurrent distractions, I have come to a point where I must choose between standing still in conflict or stepping forward to a more stable environment. After careful review of the potential gains and long-term benefits for our constituency, I have resolved today to officially join the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
Rep. Ukpong-udo explained that his alignment with the APC is driven not by personal ambition but by a forward-thinking strategy to attract more development to Ikono and Ini. He stated his intent to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno, citing their impressive performances as key motivation. “My loyalty remains first and foremost with you, the Ikono-Ini people. By aligning with the ruling party, I will be better positioned to attract federal attention, partnerships, and resources to Ikono-Ini. And I assure you, our voice will be stronger, our seat at the table more secure, and our demands harder to ignore,” he affirmed.
Beyond the political realignment, Rep. Ukpong-udo used the opportunity to present a compelling scorecard of his second year in office. His impact cuts across several critical sectors: education, human capital development, social welfare, economic empowerment, legislative advocacy, and infrastructure development.
Rep. Ukpong-udo has sponsored 13 motions and 12 bills, facilitated employment for over 101 constituents, and empowered more than 4,000 entrepreneurs through grants ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million. His Macaire Mother & Child Programme alone has supported over 242 mothers and celebrated the birth of 251 babies, including nine sets of twins.
Additionally, he has delivered vital infrastructure projects such as classroom blocks, town halls, road construction, installation of transformers, and solar street lighting in various communities. Over 35,000 individuals and families have received direct welfare support, and more than 500 indigenes have been trained in agriculture, ICT, and entrepreneurship.
While reaffirming his appreciation for the YPP and its members, especially for their support during the turbulent 2023 elections, the lawmaker pledged continued personal support to his loyal followers and wished the party well. “This process of political realignment will in no way affect our planned empowerment programmes and initiatives. All Empowerment Cards remain valid until 2027, and we remain firmly on course to reach and support the over 25,000 constituents currently in possession of these cards, as scheduled.”
He also announced the upcoming 8th Phase of his Empowerment Programme, valued at approximately ₦1 billion, to be rolled out in the coming weeks.
The press briefing closed with a rousing call for unity and support across party lines as Rep. Ukpong-udo welcomed new entrants into the APC and restated his unwavering resolve to serve the people of Ikono-Ini with every ounce of his political and social capital.
Among dignitaries at the ceremony were the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, represented by Mr Nsentip Akpabio and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, represented by Rt. Hon. Udo Kierian. Others were the representative of Ini State Constituency, Hon. Lawrence Udoide, the Chairmen of the Ikono and Ini Local Government Areas, Hon. Otobong Essien and Hon. Inibehe Umah, respectively, as well as other political stakeholders in the State.
