Governor Umo Eno Of Akwa Ibom Defects To APC In Landmark Political Shift.
In a stunning development, 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 shift in the political landscape of the oil-rich state. The announcement, made on Friday, 6 June 2025, at the Government House in Uyo, ends over 25 years of PDP dominance in Akwa Ibom.
Governor Eno, in a statement delivered amidst cheers from APC governors and supporters, described his move as a “progressive step” aimed at aligning Akwa Ibom with the federal government’s vision under President Bola Tinubu. “After completing the rounds of my consultation as your servant whom you have elected to serve, I have decided to progressively move to the APC,” Eno declared, expressing admiration for Tinubu’s leadership and the need to secure continuous benefits for the state.
The defection follows months of speculation and wide-ranging consultations with critical stakeholders across Akwa Ibom, according to the governor. He cited internal crises within the PDP as a key factor, likening the party to a “faulty aeroplane” incapable of ensuring a smooth electoral journey. “If you wanted to travel with Ibom Airline, and on the verge of taking off, it developed a fault that won’t enable it to fly, wouldn’t you board the next available plane to take you to your destination?” Eno asked rhetorically during a recent address.
The move was warmly welcomed by APC figures, with the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, alongside Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, in attendance to witness the historic event. A senior aide to Governor Eno, speaking anonymously, confirmed to reporters that a video of Uzodinma arriving at the Government House on Thursday evening had been circulating on social media, fuelling anticipation of the defection.
However, the decision has sparked mixed reactions. While the APC lauds Eno’s choice as a “wise and strategic move” to bolster development through alignment with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, some local government councillors have expressed reluctance to follow suit. The councillors, elected under the PDP banner, lamented a lack of consultation, with some fearing their re-election prospects could be jeopardised in a “structured” opposition party like the APC.
Governor Eno, undeterred, has directed all commissioners and political appointees in his cabinet to either join him in defecting to the APC or resign, a directive issued during a State Executive Council meeting in Uyo on Thursday. “I have nothing to negotiate with anyone. Apart from elected officials like House of Assembly members and local government chairmen, the choice is simple—follow me or step aside,” he reportedly stated.
The defection is seen as a potential boost for the APC’s influence in the South-South region, with analysts suggesting it could weaken the PDP’s capacity to mount a strong challenge in the 2027 elections. Eno’s alignment with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a prominent APC figure, is also expected to facilitate projects like the long-anticipated Ibom Deep Seaport, projected to materialise before 2031.
As Akwa Ibom braces for this new political chapter, Governor Eno has pledged to continue working tirelessly for the benefit of all residents, regardless of party affiliation. “This government belongs to the people—it is for you, with you, and by you,” he reaffirmed, signalling a commitment to inclusive governance.
The PDP has yet to issue an official response, but the coming days will likely reveal the full impact of this seismic shift in Akwa Ibom’s political history.
