In a political twist that ended months of speculation, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State on Friday officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring full support for President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda.
Speaking at a gathering of political stakeholders held at the banquet hall of Government House, Uyo, Governor Eno said his decision was borne out of the need to align with the “progressives” and avoid engaging in anti-party activities.
“I did not want to speak from both sides of my mouth,” the governor said. “I had to come out to join the progressives formally.”
Eno explained that his move followed extensive consultations with key players across the state, noting that he had taken time to engage with critical stakeholders involved in what he described as “Project Akwa Ibom.”
“Earlier this morning, I submitted a formal letter of resignation from the PDP to the ward chairman; same copy has been sent to both the state chairman and the national chairman,” Eno announced.
He expressed gratitude to the PDP for the support and cooperation he had received over the last two years as governor, adding that his decision was not made in haste.
“I believe no one that has ever moved or changed party has ever consulted the way I have done,” he stated. “I did that because of the respect I have for all of you, stakeholders in Project Akwa Ibom. I did that knowing that each and every one of you needed to be consulted and informed.”
According to him, the final stage of the consultation involved a meeting with critical PDP stakeholders held Thursday night, where he explained the reasons behind the move.
“We must be able to interpret the time and flow with the time and not run away with the tide,” Eno said. “Having completed the rounds of my consultation, as your servant that you have elected to serve you, I therefore have decided to progressively move to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Today, I have made the bold declaration to join that train.”
Governor Eno was received into the APC by the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the party, Mr. Stephen Ntukekpo, who praised the governor’s move as a step in the interest of all Akwa Ibom people.
“This action is for the interest of all Akwa Ibom people to transform the state beyond party lines,” Ntukekpo said.
In a show of political solidarity, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr. Udeme Otong, in a goodwill message, announced that he and 25 other members of the House would follow the governor into the APC.
Similarly, Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Akwa Ibom South in the National Assembly, declared his intention to join the governor in the new political journey.
Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, while welcoming Eno into the APC fold, assured him that he would not regret the decision.
“I want to assure you that you will not regret this decision. The decision to join APC will be supported, and collectively, we will deliver dividends of democracy to not just Akwa Ibom people but all Nigerians,” Uzodimma said.
Other dignitaries at the event included Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Bassey Otu (Cross River).
Governor Eno’s defection marks a significant political realignment in Akwa Ibom and is expected to reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of future elections.
