In a major political realignment, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the need to align the state with the federal government for enhanced development.
Governor Eno made the announcement on Friday, June 6, 2025, during a press conference in Uyo, the state capital. He stated that the decision followed extensive consultations across political and traditional platforms within the state.
“I have therefore decided to progressively move to the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he declared. “We are not joining the APC from a position of weakness but from a position of strength.”
According to the 9am News report, the governor emphasized that the defection was rooted in “enlightened state interest” and a strategic decision to secure greater federal support for ongoing and future projects across Akwa Ibom’s 31 Local Government Areas.
Governor Eno pointed to the economic reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu, especially the removal of fuel subsidy, as difficult but necessary decisions that are already creating tangible development opportunities at the state level.
“President Tinubu has faced the most daunting economic challenges of any recent leader and is implementing reforms with long-term impact,” Eno stated. “We must support him to finish the huge task of national reawakening and economic renewal.”
While changing party platforms, Eno reaffirmed that his governance values remain intact, pledging to continue a bipartisan, inclusive administration. He noted that political parties are merely vehicles for election, but governance must transcend partisanship.
“I will still run bipartisan and inclusive governance,” he assured. “Akwa Ibom will be a model of unity, peace, and inclusivity beyond political affiliations.”
The move comes just six weeks after Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori similarly defected to the APC, further signaling a shifting political tide in Nigeria’s South-South region.
Speculation about Eno’s defection first gained traction in April, when he expressed support for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition at a major infrastructure event. Two weeks ago, he reportedly asked his commissioners and aides to either follow him to the APC or resign.
Born in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium LGA, and with a professional background in banking, hospitality, and ministry, Governor Umo Eno was elected under the PDP in March 2023 and inaugurated on May 29, 2023. He is the founder of All Nations Christian Ministry International and holds degrees in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Uyo.
Governor Eno stated he had received full backing for his defection from President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Progressive Governors’ Forum, affirming that his integration into the APC would be seamless.
“Those who know President Tinubu will attest to the fact that his words are his bond,” the governor said. “This movement, falling on a day we mark Sallah, is our own gift to our President.”
He ended his speech with a symbolic call:
“APC Progress. Arise That Same God!”
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