Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has announced his intention to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the near future.
During a State Executive Council meeting on Thursday, Governor Eno revealed his plans and encouraged his commissioners and appointees to follow him to the APC or resign from their positions if they are uncomfortable with his decision. A source from the Government House, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the governor made it clear he was not interested in negotiating with those unwilling to support his new direction.
“Anybody who claims he is not aware of my intention to leave the PDP is still living in the 18th century,” Eno reportedly stated. “Apart from elected officials like House of Assembly members and Local Government Chairmen, I have nothing to negotiate with you.” He warned that any appointee who thinks they can use the party structure against him after his departure from the PDP is mistaken, asserting he would maintain control over the party’s structure.
The governor expressed appreciation for the leadership style of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, indicating his desire to align with the APC’s vision.
Efforts by the press to get the PDP Chairman for Akwa Ibom, Aniekan Akpan, response was abortive.The APC Media Network’s Director, Mr. Iniobong John, confirmed to journalists that the governor’s defection is indeed imminent. “It is no longer a rumour. I think there are some confirmations that the governor is defecting to the APC. Though unofficial, I can confirm that the governor is joining our party sooner or later. No official date has been confirmed yet, but all plans have been perfected for his defection to our party,” John stated.
He characterized the impending defection as a positive development for the APC in Akwa Ibom, suggesting that it would enhance the state’s connectivity to the national power center and benefit the people of Akwa Ibom overall.