Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), triggering a political rift with his predecessor and political mentor, former Governor Udom Emmanuel.
The move, which took place within the last 24 hours, was accompanied by the defection of several state and national assembly members as well as some serving commissioners.
The unexpected shift has generated significant controversy within the state’s political landscape, especially given Eno’s emergence as governor under the PDP platform in 2023 with strong backing from Emmanuel.
The former governor has publicly criticized the decision, describing it as a betrayal not only of his personal trust but also of the people of Akwa Ibom who voted for Eno under the PDP banner.
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In a statement made available to journalists, Udom Emmanuel expressed shock and disappointment over Eno’s alignment with the ruling APC, especially during what he described as a time of intense hardship and economic difficulty in the country.
He questioned the moral justification for joining a party that, in his view, has failed to adequately address key national issues such as insecurity, inflation, and rising cost of living.
“I’m deeply surprised by this development,” Emmanuel said. “This is a time when Nigerians are facing severe challenges—hardship, insecurity, and a high cost of living. One would expect any well-meaning leader to distance themselves from the party responsible for these problems. Instead, we see the governor throwing his weight behind the same party.”
Emmanuel further alleged that Eno’s defection is motivated by personal political ambition rather than the collective interest of the state. He accused the governor of seeking reelection at all costs and predicted that the people of Akwa Ibom would resist any attempts to impose a second term without accountability.
“We all know the governor is desperate. He is fighting tooth and nail to secure a second term,” Emmanuel said. “But mark today—Akwa Ibom people will stand against such desperation.”
In a show of support for members of the state executive council and legislators who chose not to defect with the governor, Emmanuel commended those who resigned from their positions in protest. He said their actions reflect integrity and commitment to democratic values, adding that their decision should inspire others to uphold the interests of the state over personal gain.
“I want to congratulate the commissioners and other appointees who had the courage to resign,” he stated. “It shows that we still have people of integrity who put the people first.”
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The former governor also urged PDP members and supporters across Akwa Ibom State to remain steadfast despite the recent political shifts. He assured them that the party remains strong and capable of reclaiming its leadership role in the state during the next general elections.
“I call on PDP members not to be intimidated. We will reclaim our mandate in 2027 with the support of the good people of Akwa Ibom State,” Emmanuel declared.
The defection marks a major shake-up in Akwa Ibom’s political scene, raising questions about the future of party alignments in the state and potentially reshaping power dynamics ahead of the 2027 elections. As the news spreads, political analysts and stakeholders are watching closely to see how the PDP responds to the internal upheaval and whether the APC gains a stronger foothold in the South-South state.
