In a major political development, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor explained that his move is motivated by the need to align the state with the federal government and maintain political relevance in the lead-up to future elections.
Speaking at a town hall meeting with stakeholders and constituents in Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, Governor Eno revealed that his decision came after months of extensive discussions with influential political figures across Akwa Ibom State.
He stated, “For some time now, the political space—particularly in this state and the nation in general—has been awash with the news of my likely movement from the PDP, the platform that provided the levers and ladder for my political ascendancy to the position of governor.”
Governor Eno reassured that his defection does not mean abandoning the principles that brought him to office. Citing the Dalai Lama, he said, “We should always be open to change, but not let go of our shared values.”
On Wednesday morning, Eno confirmed he had formally submitted his resignation letter from the PDP to the party’s ward chairman, with copies sent to both the state and national PDP chairmen.
He expressed appreciation, saying, “I want to thank the People’s Democratic Party for their support, for their love, and for working with me in these past two years in the affairs of running the state of Akwa Ibom—across party lines.”
Despite his gratitude, Governor Eno described the moment as pivotal for Akwa Ibom, stressing the need for progress.
“I have therefore decided, after due consultation with all the critical stakeholders across the length and breadth of this state over the last three months, that it is time to move,” he stated.
“I believe that no one has ever moved progressively or changed party in this state after consulting as widely as I have done.”
He added that he held an in-depth meeting with key PDP stakeholders the previous evening at the same venue to explain his reasons for leaving the party.
“As the children of Issachar, we must be able to interpret the times and flow with the times, not run against the tide,” he declared.
With this announcement, Governor Eno joins the growing number of prominent South-South politicians switching allegiance to the APC, a move seen as strategic ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Concluding his remarks, he declared, “I have therefore decided to progressively move to the All Progressives Congress,” as the crowd responded with chants of support.
Governor Eno’s defection closes a more than 20-year chapter with the PDP, during which he transitioned from business leadership to politics, served as Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, and was elected governor in 2023 under the party’s platform.
