By Ayo Kehinde
Akwa Ibom State governor, Umo Eno, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Governor announced his defection in Uyo on Friday, declaring that the decision followed “three months of wide consultation” with critical stakeholders across the state.
“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 has provided the levers and ladder of my political ascendancy to the position of governor of this state.
“This discussion has elicited various areas of analysis in the process. Today, I am here to answer some of those nagging questions. Like the Dalai Lama had said, “We should always be open to change, but not to let go of our shared values”, he said.
The Governor said he has submitted a formal resignation letter to the PDP at the ward level, with copies also delivered to the party’s state and national chairmen.
“Earlier this morning, I submitted a formal letter of resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ward chairman. The same copy has been sent to both the state chairman as well as the national chairman. I want to thank the Peoples Democratic Party for their support, for their love and for working with me these past two years in the affairs of running the state of Akwa Ibom across party lines, but this is a defining moment”, he said.
He expressed gratitude to the PDP for its support during his tenure, but said his decision was motivated by a desire to align Akwa Ibom State with the federal government for continued benefits.
Declaring his admiration for President Bola Tinubu, the Governor said, Akwa Ibom stood to gain more from federal programmes by being politically aligned with the centre.
Despite the defection, Governor Eno assured residents that he would continue to work tirelessly for their welfare, regardless of political affiliations.
Last month, Governor Eno had said his decision was not borne out of hatred or disloyalty to the PDP, the party that gave him the platform to become governor. Instead, he expressed concerns about the current state of the party and the challenges it faces ahead of the upcoming elections.
“My love for the PDP remains intact,” he said. “However, the system no longer gives room for comfort or alignment, especially at the national level. The party is deeply divided and spends every day trying to resolve internal crises.”
Governor Eno explained that his move to the APC is a strategic decision aimed at securing the future of Akwa Ibom State. He noted that while he is confident in his popularity and the work done across the state, the instability at the national level could jeopardise their electoral plans—particularly concerning post-election technicalities like INEC documentation and legal signatories.
He emphasised, “This decision is not about fear of losing an election in Akwa Ibom. I trust the people, and I know we’ve done the work. But the disunity in the PDP at the national level is alarming.”
The Governor clarified that his political philosophy is based on progress, not personality clashes.
Governor Eno also highlighted that Akwa Ibom politics is not solely about party loyalty but about the Arise Agenda, which transcends party lines. “There’s no ideological difference among our parties; anyone who thinks otherwise is welcome to a debate.”
He urged the people of Akwa Ibom to continue to cherish and protect the peace they currently enjoy. “Other states are battling insecurity and unrest. Peace is the foundation for development. Without it, people will leave, and progress will be lost.
