THE return of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the April 11, 2015 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State, Umana Okon Umana to the state at the weekend witnessed defection of founding members as well as supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

The reception and thanksgiving service which took place in Uyo saw Senator Aloysius Etuk, Eseme Eyiboh, Ignatius Edet and former state chairman of the party, Otu Ita Toyo leading some former local government chairmen and state lawmakers among other to dump the party.

The defectors were received by the National Vice-Chairman, South-South, Prince Hilliard Eta on behalf of the National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

He told the new members that their defection was not misplaced, assuring them of level-playing field.

Eta advised party members not to be afraid of the PDP threat in the state, adding that Federal Government was poised to protect every member.

He urged supporters to report any case of intimidation to the party leadership in the state for appropriate action.

“It is not PDP that is in charge of the country but APC. Any security operative that derails from his professional assignment will have his uniform removed and prosecuted.

Also speaking, Umana called on the PDP not to see the state as its any longer, alluding to the fact that the party’s founding and BoT members in the state, including former Governor Obong Victor Attah, Don Etiebet and National Vice-Chairman, South-South, Chief Edet Nkpubere among others had since jumped ship.

He thanked the people of the state for standing up against “tyranny and injustice,” arguing that the God of justice and the blood of innocent voters brutally murdered during the election would see the party and state to victory.

“This is for me a special moment of great delight, to stand before you, my good people of our beloved state, and say thank you God Almighty for the historic victory that your grace has made possible in our governorship election petition.

“The victories at both the Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, respectively on 21 October 2015 and 18 December 2015, were not just for me as a person. They were victories for the people of Akwa Ibom State.

“As a people and a state, you have proven to be unconquerable, you have shown that no weapon or amount of money can break your spirit or bend your resolve. May God bless you all,” Umana said.