Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant political shift in the South-South region.
The announcement was made on Friday at the Government House in Uyo, where the governor declared that the decision came after “three months of wide consultation” with key stakeholders across the state. Eno emphasized that his defection was not a move of weakness, but rather a strategic decision aimed at securing greater benefits for the people of Akwa Ibom.
“After completing the rounds of my consultation as your servant whom you have elected to serve, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the APC,” he said. “We are joining the APC today in the state interest and because of our critical admiration and respect for President Tinubu and to provide the needed support for Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.”
Governor Eno expressed appreciation to the PDP for their support during his time in office, while noting that it was time to take a “progressive step” to align Akwa Ibom with the federal government. He assured citizens that he remains committed to serving them diligently, regardless of political affiliation.
“We are not joining the APC from the position of weakness but from the position of strength and alive. We are joining the APC out of a need to align our state with the center,” Eno added.
The event was attended by several prominent APC governors, including Hope Uzodimma (Imo), who also chairs the Progressives Governors Forum; Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta); Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi); Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo); and Bassey Otu (Cross River), among others.
Governor Eno’s defection is expected to have major political implications in Akwa Ibom, a state long regarded as a PDP stronghold.
What you should know
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has defected from the PDP to the APC after months of consultations. He cited his admiration for President Bola Tinubu and the need to align with the federal government.
The move was backed by several APC governors and signals a major political realignment in the South-South region.
