The Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno has officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a dramatic political shift that has stunned observers and reshaped the political landscape.
Addressing a packed press conference in Uyo on Friday June 6, 2025, the governor confirmed widespread speculation that had lingered for months, saying the move followed a period of intense consultation with political stakeholders across the state.
“For some time now, the political space, particularly in this state and across the nation—has been filled with speculation about my potential defection,” Governor Eno said. “Today, I have come to put those speculations to rest.”
The governor acknowledged that the PDP was the platform that brought him into power, but insisted his decision was made in response to what he called “an evolving political climate” and the need to align with “the realities of the time.”
“We must be able to interpret the times and flow with them, not swim against the tide,” he declared.
Governor Eno revealed that he had formally submitted his resignation letter to his PDP ward chairman earlier that morning, with copies sent to the party’s state and national leadership.
He expressed gratitude to the PDP for “the support, love, and the opportunity to serve under its banner for the past two years.”
However, critics say the governor’s switch to the APC is less about ideological alignment and more about political expediency, particularly as the ruling party at the federal level tightens its grip on regional power blocs.
Despite wrapping his defection in poetic quotes and appeals to shared values, analysts argue that Eno’s departure may leave the PDP in Akwa Ibom fractured, especially with deepening internal discontent.
His exit has already triggered political fallout, including the resignation of a key cabinet member who refused to follow him to the APC.
“I believe no one in the political history of this state has consulted as widely as I have before making such a move,” Eno said. “I did it out of respect for all stakeholders in the Akwa Ibom project.”
While the governor has attempted to frame the defection as a statesmanlike move grounded in consensus and vision, the long-term impact on the PDP’s dominance in the state remains uncertain. Political watchers are also closely monitoring whether other high-profile defections will follow.
With this move, Governor Eno becomes the latest in a series of southern Nigerian leaders to cross party lines in what appears to be a growing trend of strategic realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
