Following the recent defection of Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a key member of the state cabinet, Ini Ememobong, has stepped down from his position.
Until his resignation on Friday, Ememobong served as the Commissioner for Information, Special Duties, and Ibom Deep Sea Port. In a letter dated June 6, 2025, and addressed to Governor Eno, Ememobong cited personal convictions as the reason for his resignation, in response to the governor’s directive that any political appointee unwilling to join him in the APC should vacate their position.
“You have directed that any appointee who is unwilling to accompany you to switch from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress should resign,” he stated. “Ipso facto, based on my personal conviction, I hereby most respectfully tender my resignation as Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port and a member of the State Executive Council.”
Governor Eno’s defection came just weeks after his Delta State counterpart, Sheriff Oborevwori, also left the PDP for the APC — a trend many political analysts view as strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Eno first hinted at a possible party switch in April when he openly endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid during the inauguration of a major road project in Nsit-Antai Local Government Area. Two weeks ago, he formally instructed his commissioners and political appointees to either join him in the APC or resign.
Governor Umo Eno, elected in March 2023 and sworn in on May 29 of the same year, is a former banker and hospitality entrepreneur. He also previously served as Akwa Ibom’s Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources and is the founder of All Nations Christian Ministry International.
What you should know
Ini Ememobong’s resignation underscores the deepening political realignment in Akwa Ibom State. As more defections loom ahead of the 2027 elections, the state’s political landscape may witness significant shifts that could impact party structures and governance.
