Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the need to align the state with the federal government to boost development.
During a speech titled “Progressives Movement from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC)”, Eno explained his decision was motivated by a desire to bring more Federal Government presence to Akwa Ibom.
He acknowledged his admiration for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, referencing Tinubu’s governance style as Lagos State governor:
“I had never hidden my admiration for President Bola Tinubu and his patriotic devotion to national renewal which he is engendering today.”
Reflecting on his time as a young professional in Lagos, Eno said:
“I was amazed and fascinated by the manner President Tinubu ran Lagos, with focus and vision.”
He praised Tinubu for transforming Lagos into a leading subnational entity in Nigeria despite immense challenges.
Governor Eno also touched on his broader political philosophy, emphasizing that political affiliation should not hinder effective governance:
“Political parties are vehicles to run for elections. Governance, in my considered opinion, should be done without rigid attachment to political labels, since political parties are not defined by ideology but by enlightened set of interests.”
He argued that Akwa Ibom’s stability and security must be maintained through peace and cooperation, avoiding divisive politics:
“Akwa Ibom State is nationally considered as one of the safest and peaceful states in the nation, hence an urgent need to sustain and deepen the important catalyst for growth, by not engaging in unnecessary political bickering.”
Eno reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive and bipartisan governance, vowing to lead without partisan divides:
“I pledge to run a bipartisan and inclusive governance. I promise to be a model of how to work together, pray together, aspire together, dream together and achieve together without the polarising impulses of partisan politics.”
Confirming his defection, he said:
“I submitted my formal Letter of Resignation from the PDP to my Ward Chairman, same copy was sent to both the State Chairman as well as the National Chairman. I have therefore, decided to Progressively move to the All Progressive Congress, the (APC).”
“Standing before you today, I make bold to state categorically that, though I have, by today’s event, changed my political affiliation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All-Progressives Congress (APC), my values, my moral fibre, the foundational principles I have nourished and lived by remain unchanged and sacrosanct.”
The governor lauded President Tinubu for his tough but transformative economic decisions:
“President Tinubu has possibly, in recent history of this nation, faced the most daunting economic challenges of any leader.”
“With boldness and deep convictions, he has stared these challenging moments head-on and came up with solutions that, though in the immediate aftermath is tough for Nigerians, are beginning to bear long-lasting and sustainable effects.”
He cited the removal of petrol subsidy as a particularly bold move, noting its benefits:
“The removal of petrol subsidy, though a hard decision, has brought more funds to subnational entities to pursue audacious projects that are positively affecting the lives of their people.”
According to the governor, the impact is already visible across Akwa Ibom:
“Akwa Ibom State today is more of a construction site with many life-touching projects across the 31 Local Government Areas.”
“The economic fog is becoming clearer, the confidence in our economy is growing and we need to support him to finish this huge task of national re-awakening and economic renewal.”
