Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement came during a high-profile event held at the Government House in Uyo on Friday, June 6. The ceremony drew a host of influential APC figures from across the country, underscoring the significance of the governor’s move.
“After completing the rounds of my consultation as your servant whom you have elected to serve, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the APC,” Governor Eno declared.
He emphasized that his defection was not out of desperation, but rather a strategic move. “We’re not joining the APC from a position of weakness, but from a position of strength. We’re bringing value to Akwa Ibom State. We’ve come into the APC with a ministry of reconciliation.”
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Eno, who was elected on the platform of the PDP in the 2023 general elections, was widely regarded as a close ally of former Governor Udom Emmanuel. His departure from the PDP marks a significant political realignment in Akwa Ibom, long considered a stronghold of the opposition party.
Dignitaries present at the event included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Also in attendance was Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, wife of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio—a key APC powerbroker in the region.
The defection deals a fresh blow to the PDP, which now controls just ten states across the federation: Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba, and Zamfara.