Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno Announces Defection From PDP To APC.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has declared his intention to defect from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement, made to his commissioners and political appointees on Thursday, 22 May 2025, has sent shockwaves through the state’s political landscape, with Eno directing his cabinet to either join him in the defection or resign from their positions.
Governor Eno’s decision, reported widely across Nigerian media, is set to be formalised in June 2025, according to sources close to the administration. The governor cited internal conflicts within the PDP, particularly the tussle over the party’s National Secretary position, as a key reason for his departure. “I’m leaving the PDP,” Eno reportedly told his commissioners, urging them to align with his move to the APC or step down. This directive has sparked apprehension within the PDP in Akwa Ibom, with fears of a mass exodus of party loyalists following the governor’s lead.
The move comes amidst growing speculation about Eno’s political alignment. On 30 April 2025, the APC issued a statement assuring Eno of a smooth transition, likening the PDP to a faltering entity and positioning the APC as a stable alternative. The statement, attributed to the APC’s national leadership, praised the party’s chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, for his strategic political manoeuvring, which some analysts believe has facilitated Eno’s defection.
Eno’s decision marks a significant blow to the PDP, which has long held sway in Akwa Ibom, a state known for its strong PDP base. The governor’s defection is seen as part of a broader realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, with the APC seeking to strengthen its foothold in the South-South region. Political observers suggest that Eno’s move could be linked to his administration’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which has gained traction in parts of the country.
The directive to commissioners and appointees has raised questions about the future of Eno’s cabinet. Several officials are reportedly weighing their options, with some expressing loyalty to the governor, while others remain committed to the PDP. The state’s political atmosphere is tense, with the PDP leadership in Akwa Ibom scrambling to mitigate the fallout. “There is unimaginable fear within the PDP family here,” a party source told BusinessDay, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding Eno’s exit.
Public reaction has been mixed. Supporters of the governor argue that the defection could unlock federal support for Akwa Ibom’s development projects, while critics view it as a betrayal of the PDP’s legacy in the state. “Governor Eno must explain why he’s abandoning the platform that brought him to power,” said a local PDP youth leader in Uyo. Meanwhile, APC supporters have hailed the move, with some crediting Ganduje’s leadership for attracting high-profile defections.
As Akwa Ibom braces for the political ripple effects, all eyes are on Eno’s next steps. The governor has yet to address the public directly, but sources indicate he may outline his reasons in a state-wide broadcast soon. With the APC’s national leadership openly welcoming his move, the defection could reshape the political dynamics of Akwa Ibom and influence other PDP strongholds in the region.
