Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, on Friday officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that professing loyalty to President Bola Tinubu without joining his party amounted to political hypocrisy.
The defection, which took place at the Government House in Uyo, puts an end to months of speculation surrounding the governor’s political allegiance, especially following his increasingly warm relationship with the president.
Addressing a gathering of political leaders and party supporters, Eno explained that his decision was borne out of deep consultations with stakeholders across the state and the need to align Akwa Ibom with the centre for accelerated development.
“I can’t continue to visit Mr President at night and speak otherwise during the day. I have decided to join the APC so that my support for him will be total and open. This is not just about me but about Akwa Ibom State’s future,” Eno said.
The governor, who won the 2023 governorship election under the PDP, maintained that while his political platform had changed, his values remained intact.
“We are not joining the APC from a position of weakness but from a position of strength. We are bringing value and rebuilding a party that was once divided in this state,” he said.
Eno used the opportunity to demand absolute loyalty from his appointees, declaring that those not willing to align with his new political direction should step aside.
“My team remains the ‘first eleven.’ I need loyalty now more than ever. No room for double loyalty,” he stated.
He further disclosed that President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other APC leaders had assured him of their full backing, adding that Akwa Ibom was now fully connected to the national power structure.
Also speaking at the event, the wife of the Senate President, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, who represented her husband, lauded Eno’s boldness, urging him to brace for criticism but remain focused.
“They will malign and abuse you, but don’t be afraid. With President Tinubu and Senate President Akpabio behind you, you have nothing to fear,” she said.
In his remarks, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who led a delegation of APC governors to the event, praised President Tinubu’s leadership, likening him to a driver with a licence rather than a learner’s permit.
“Nigeria is on a new path of development, and more leaders like Governor Eno are seeing the vision and joining us,” he said.
Other governors present included those of Edo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Cross River, Ebonyi, Lagos, Delta, and Imo States.
Governor Eno called on all Akwa Ibom indigenes, especially former APC members, to return and help build a united and stronger party in preparation for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
“Let us set aside our differences. The time to build together is now,” he concluded.
Governor Eno’s defection marks a significant political shift in Akwa Ibom, a state that has remained under PDP control since 1999. Observers say the move may redefine the political dynamics ahead of 2027.
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