By John Umeh
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), sparking a major political shake-up in the South-South state. The surprise move was revealed during a closed-door meeting with members of the State Executive Council at the Government House in Uyo on Thursday.
According to sources present at the meeting, Governor Eno didn’t just stop at declaring his new political allegiance—he issued a firm ultimatum to his commissioners and senior aides: defect with me or tender your resignation immediately. The governor reportedly told his cabinet, “There’s no room for divided loyalty. You are either with me or against me. It’s my way or the highway.”
Though the governor did not immediately disclose the party he is joining, political analysts suggest that it is likely to be the All Progressives Congress (APC), given recent interactions and meetings between Eno and key figures in the ruling party at the federal level.
This defection marks a critical shift in the state’s political landscape. The PDP has held firm control over Akwa Ibom since the return to civilian rule in 1999, making Eno’s departure both symbolic and significant. His move could potentially alter the balance of power in the region ahead of the next general elections.
The announcement has already sparked controversy and mixed reactions. While some commissioners have reportedly expressed willingness to follow the governor’s lead, others are said to be weighing their political future carefully, with a few allegedly considering resignation.
Political observers believe that Governor Eno’s defection may stem from growing internal rifts within the PDP, including disagreements over national leadership, state-level strategies, and unresolved grievances from the 2023 elections. His decision also comes amid a wave of similar defections by influential politicians across the country, signaling broader instability within the opposition party.
In a brief press statement later in the day, Governor Eno defended his decision, saying it was made in the best interest of the state. “Akwa Ibom deserves to be aligned with the center for greater developmental opportunities. This is not about me; it’s about the future of our people,” he stated.
As Akwa Ibom awaits further clarity on the fallout from this bold political maneuver, all eyes are now on the commissioners and aides who must make a defining choice—stick with their governor or stand by their party.
