Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has issued a firm directive to all commissioners and political appointees in his administration: either defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) with him or resign their appointments.
Speaking during an ongoing State Executive Council meeting in Uyo on Thursday, Eno clarified his position on leaving the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which has governed the state for 25 years.
“Anybody who claims he is not aware of my intention to leave PDP is still living in 18th century,” the governor declared.
Multiple sources present at the meeting confirmed the governor’s remarks, noting that Eno emphasized his admiration for President Bola Tinubu and his desire to align politically with him.
“Let me tell you, anybody who believes when I leave PDP he will use the party structure to fight me is lying because I will still control the PDP structure,” Eno added, signaling his intent to retain influence even within the PDP.
The governor reportedly made it clear that the directive applied to all appointees except elected officials such as members of the State House of Assembly and Local Government Chairmen.
“Apart from elected officials like House of Assembly members and Local Government Chairmen, I have nothing to negotiate with you,” he warned.
Eno’s expected official defection on June 6 would end PDP’s 25-year dominance in the state.
