Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno defects to APC

Akwa lbom, Nigeria:In a significant political development, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reform agenda.

Speaking during a press conference in Uyo on Friday, Governor Eno confirmed the decision followed extensive consultations across various stakeholder groups.

“Having completed the rounds of my consultations as your servant, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the All Progressives Congress,” he declared. He stressed that the move was made from a position of conviction rather than political pressure.

“We are not joining the APC from a position of weakness; we are joining the APC from a position of strength,” the governor added, affirming his commitment to contributing to the national development agenda.

Governor Eno’s defection follows a similar move by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori six weeks earlier, reflecting a broader realignment among political leaders in the South-South region.

Speculation about the governor’s switch gained traction in April after he publicly endorsed President Tinubu’s re-election bid at a road project flag-off in Nsit-Antai. Reports later emerged that Eno had asked his commissioners and political aides to either join him in the APC or vacate their positions.

Governor Eno, who was elected in March 2023 and assumed office on May 29 of the same year, hails from Ikot Ekpene Udo in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area. Born on April 24, 1964, he holds a B.Sc. in Political Science and Public Administration and an MPA from the University of Uyo. He previously held roles in the banking sector, built a successful hospitality business, and founded All Nations Christian Ministry International. Prior to his election as governor, he served as Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources in Akwa Ibom State.

In the wake of the announcement, the State Commissioner for Special Duties, Ini Ememobong, tendered his resignation from the administration, citing personal convictions and a decision not to defect to the APC.

By Enoch odesola/ June 6,2025