Cleric dumps PDP, leads 3,000 supporters to APC in Akwa Ibom

• …says he is committed to Tinubu’s re-election

A prominent cleric, Dr. Elijah Jack, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, taking more than 3,000 of his supporters with him.

The defection ceremony, held over the weekend at Oniong East Ward 1 in Onna Local Government Area, drew the attendance of several past and serving political office holders.

Jack, who is the General Overseer of His Divine Redeemed World Ministries, said he joined the APC to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and to contribute to the president’s re-election efforts in 2027.

He explained that his move was motivated by patriotism and a desire to promote unity, peace, and inclusive governance.

“My decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not driven by personal gain or political rivalry, but by a sincere desire to contribute more meaningfully to national unity, peace building, and inclusive governance,” he said.

“At this moment in our country, what Nigerians need most is not division but healing, cooperation, and collective action. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has clearly emphasized the Renewed Hope Agenda, which calls for unity, stability, and the integration of all citizens regardless of party lines, into the national development process.

“Likewise, in Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno has consistently preached peace, unity, and development through the ARISE agenda.

“As a church founder and an ambassador of peace, these are values I have practiced long before politics. In my ministry and community work, I have always preached forgiveness, tolerance, and reconciliation.

 “I have mediated disputes, united families, supported youths across party divides, and encouraged people to see one another first as brothers and sisters, and not opponents.

“So, my defection is not meant to create tension but to build bridges. I am joining the APC to bring spiritual and moral leadership to the space, and encourage more citizens to participate peacefully in governance”.

He added that he is going to begin a political and spiritual movement to win supporters for Tinubu, the Senate president, Goddess Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno 

“Going forward, I will continue to support programmes that unite youths, women, and other marginalized groups irrespective of political differences, and use my platform as a clergyman to preach political tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

“I am going to encourage all my followers to register in their various wards, as APC Members and also ensure they all apply and get their voters card ready for the 2027 election to vote President Tinibu and Governor Umo Eno, leaders and followers to put Nigeria first before political affiliations”, he said.

Ultimately, my goal is to serve as a symbol of unity by showing that politics does not have to divide us, and that together we can build a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.”

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Receiving the defectors, Onna APC leader, Patrick Ifon, hailed the defection as a “landmark moment,” describing the new entrants as men and women of capacity whose presence guarantees electoral victory in the next cycle.

“This is not just a defection; it is a political statement. With the thousands of Apostles Elijah has brought, APC in Onna is positioned to sweep all positions in the coming elections,” he declared 

Commissioner for Finance, Emem Bob, described Apostle Jack as “a brother and friend whose capacity is beyond doubt”, adding that his move reflects Governor Umo Eno’s deep-rooted goodwill in Onna.

Former House of Representatives member Dr. Owoidighe Ekpoattai, APC Chapter Chairman Mr. Nkanang Nkanang, Hon. Bassey Willie, Hon. Oton Charlie, Barr. Akan Idem, Hon. Emmanuel Ekpeyo, Elder Nelson Ntia, Hon. Samuel Mboso, and Comrade Tony Ekpo all praised the new movement, calling it a massive boost to APC’s grassroots strength.