Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and former member of the Federal House of Representatives, has revealed why he remains loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite the party facing challenges. He spoke during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting of the party in Akwa Ibom on Monday, January 26, 2026.

“I want to commend everyone for keeping faith with the Party. I am happy that you have remained committed and faithful to the PDP,” Luke said.

He noted that those who have left the party are exercising their right to freedom of association. “I will not speak about it. However, I want them to allow us to remain in our Party and exercise our rights, just as we have respected their right to move to another party,” he added.

Luke explained that the PDP has given him all his political platforms, from being a Governor’s aide, to serving in the state legislature as Speaker, and later as a federal lawmaker. “If this party is in trying times, good conscience forbids that I abandon it. I will rather remain and rebuild it, trusting the word of God in John 12:24,” he said.

The meeting, organised by the Iquat Umoren-led faction of the PDP in Akwa Ibom, highlighted a message of hope: the party is down but far from finished. Leaders used the occasion to rebuild confidence and outline plans for renewal and recovery.

A key outcome was the formation of the PDP Elders’ Forum, with former state chairman Prince Uwem Ita Etuk as Chairman and Chief Abom Tony Esu as Deputy Chairman. Prince Chris Abasieyo and Sir Adasi Obolum were also appointed as members of the forum.

READ MORE: Akwa Ibom PDP Regroups as Stakeholders Plot Comeback and Grassroots Push

Stakeholders of the Iquat Umoren led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State gathered on Monday, January 26, with a clear message: the party is down, but far from finished.

The stakeholders’ meeting, held amid shifting political winds in the state, was both reflective and forward-looking. Party leaders used the occasion to reassure members, rebuild confidence, and begin what they described as a deliberate journey towards renewal and recovery.

Opening the meeting, the State Caretaker Chairman, Barrister Iquat Umoren, thanked party faithful for standing firm despite recent challenges. He said the gathering marked the starting point of a wider plan to reposition the PDP ahead of future political contests.

According to Umoren, the party’s strength lies in its people, especially those who have refused to walk away during difficult times. He urged members to return to their wards and communities, insisting that the PDP still commands strong grassroots support across Akwa Ibom.

“PDP remains a powerful force in this state,” he told the gathering. “If we were not relevant, there would be no pressure on our members. Together, we will rebuild this party and reclaim what belongs to us in 2027.”

National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Comrade Ini Ememobong, admitted that the party is currently facing serious tests, but described the moment as a phase rather than an ending. He warned members to expect more pressure, including attempts to lure them away, and challenged them to place value on loyalty.

Ememobong also addressed the legal disputes surrounding the party, expressing confidence that the courts would rule in PDP’s favour based on past judicial decisions.

“We have reached our lowest point,” he said. “From here, the only direction is upward. PDP will rise again in Nigeria, and whether it rises strongly in Akwa Ibom depends on our commitment.”

Former House of Representatives member, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, praised party members for remaining steadfast. He said the PDP had shaped his political journey and that loyalty demanded staying to rebuild, not leaving when times are hard.

Luke acknowledged the right of individuals to change political parties but appealed for mutual respect, urging those who had left to allow others freely remain. Drawing inspiration from the Bible, he encouraged members to see the present struggle as a necessary phase before growth and renewal.

Other party leaders, including Prince Uwem Ita Etuk, Chief Abom Tony Esu and High Prince Chris Abasieyo, echoed the call for action. They urged members to return to their communities and begin strong mobilisation, stressing that the PDP remains deeply rooted in many villages across the state.

A key outcome of the meeting was the formation of the PDP Elders’ Forum. Former state chairman, Prince Uwem Ita Etuk, emerged as Chairman of the forum, with Chief Abom Tony Esu named as Deputy Chairman. Prince Chris Abasieyo and Sir Adasi Obolum were also appointed as members.

Abba Atiku, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has declared strong confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s political future, saying no individual or political party can stop him from winning the 2027 presidential election.

Abba made the statement on Monday in Yola, Adamawa State, shortly after collecting his All Progressives Congress (APC) membership card at Gwadabawa Ward in Yola North Local Government Area. His entry into the ruling party immediately drew attention, not just because of his family background, but because of the bold message he delivered.

Explaining his decision to join the APC, Abba said he was impressed by what he described as wide-ranging economic and human development reforms under President Tinubu’s administration. He said these achievements convinced him that the president deserves another term.

“I want to make it very clear that nobody or any political party can stop President Bola Tinubu from returning to Aso Rock come 2027,” Abba said. “Nigerians have seen his good work; he is not a tribalist, he don’t make appointments based on religion or region, but his decisions are purely on merit.”

He added that the level of infrastructural development across the country also influenced his choice to align with the ruling party. According to him, sustaining these efforts will require broad public support.

“The president needs your support to continue with the good work. We should mobilise more people and beyond party affiliations to support our president,” he said.

At the event, the APC Zonal Vice Chairman for Adamawa Central, Alhaji Isa Bagalti, presented Abba with his membership card. Bagalti said the move had removed any doubt about the APC’s chances in the next general election.

“It is now clear to people that there is no party in Nigeria or presidential candidate that can face our president at the poll come 2027,” he said.

Another party leader in the state, Alhaji Jamil Yusuf, also spoke in support of President Tinubu. He dismissed other potential challengers, describing them as unrealistic in their ambitions.

“Majority of those saying that they are going to contest for the office of president see politics as a trade fair venue, where people sell and buy,” Yusuf said. “I advise such people to invest their money in profitable ventures, because the office of the president is no longer for the highest bidder, but for competent people like President Tinubu.”

Abba’s position stands in contrast to that of his elder brother, Adamu Atiku, who remains a senior member of the Peoples Democratic Party and currently serves as Commissioner for Works and Energy Development in Adamawa State under Governor Ahmadu Fintiri. Their father, Atiku Abubakar, is pursuing his presidential ambition on the platform of the African Democratic Congress.

Despite these differing political paths, Abba Atiku’s message was clear: in his view, the road to 2027 leads only one way, and President Bola Tinubu stands without a serious challenger.