Why Akwa Ibom Governor Defected to APC: Pastor Umo Eno Speaks on Alignment, Stakeholder Consultations
In a political shift that has stirred mixed reactions across Akwa Ibom State and beyond, Governor Pastor Umo Eno on Friday formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing “strategic alignment with the center” and extensive consultations as key drivers of the move.
Speaking at a press conference in Uyo, the state capital, the governor revealed that the decision followed three months of engagement with political stakeholders, party leaders, and community influencers across the state. He said the move is a calculated step intended to position Akwa Ibom for better access to federal opportunities under the APC-led government at the centre.
“We must be able to interpret the times, and flow with the times, and not run against the tide,” Governor Eno said. “Having completed the rounds of my consultations, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the All Progressives Congress.”
Though the announcement was made on Friday, hints of the governor’s intended defection had surfaced earlier in the week during a town hall meeting in Ikot Abasi, where his suggestion to join the APC was met with loud disapproval from attendees. Amid chants of “No!” from the crowd, the governor had attempted to make a case for realignment with the federal government, saying:
“We’re progressively moving forward, linking Akwa Ibom to the center. And I know you’re going with us. Are you going with us, so we can connect to the centre?”
Despite the opposition in Ikot Abasi, Eno pushed forward with his decision, emphasizing that his move was not driven by personal ambition but by the need to reposition the state for strategic development.
In his words:
“Earlier this morning, I submitted a formal letter of resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ward chairman. Copies have also been sent to the state and national chairmen. I want to thank the PDP for their support, love, and cooperation over the past two years.”
The governor acknowledged the platform that the PDP had given him to rise to his current position, but insisted that the realities of national politics and governance demand a different approach going forward.
“Like the Dalai Lama once said, ‘We should always be open to change, but not to let go of our shared values.’ This is a defining moment for our state,” he added.
Governor Eno further explained that Thursday night’s meeting with top PDP leaders in Uyo marked the culmination of his internal consultations. He reiterated that no governor in Akwa Ibom history had ever consulted so widely before switching parties, stressing that his respect for political stakeholders across the state guided every step of the decision.
The governor’s defection is expected to significantly shift the political balance in Akwa Ibom, a state long considered a PDP stronghold. Analysts say it could open the door for increased federal presence in infrastructure, appointments, and policy decisions impacting the state.
While the move has sparked debate and drawn criticism from some quarters, Eno expressed confidence that the decision would ultimately serve the best interest of Akwa Ibom people.
“This is not about politics for politics’ sake. It’s about ensuring that Akwa Ibom is fully represented where decisions that shape our nation are being made,” he concluded.
Background
Pastor Umo Eno assumed office as Governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2023 on the platform of the PDP. His move to the APC comes amid broader realignments in the South-South region, as more state leaders seek closer collaboration with the APC-controlled federal government ahead of future elections.
