Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has issued a clear message to his commissioners and political appointees: defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) with me or resign. The governor made this declaration on Thursday during a meeting of the State Executive Council, confirming widespread rumors that he plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“It’s no longer news that I’m moving party. If you don’t know that by now, I don’t know what else you know,” Governor Eno said pointedly to his cabinet.
Umo Eno tells appointees to defect or resign—a statement that has stirred political waters in the state. He emphasized that while no one is being forced to follow him into the APC, loyalty to the administration demands alignment. Those who choose not to switch parties must prepare to step down from their roles.
“You are absolutely free not to join me,” he added. “But you won’t remain in my state executive council if you decide to stay back. This is not a threat; it’s just the reality. I won’t beg anyone to come.”
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The governor expressed his affection for the PDP but cited deep internal crises within the party as the reason for his planned departure. He noted that the national disunity within the PDP makes future electoral success uncertain, even though he believes his government’s performance would earn public support regardless of political platform.
“I love the PDP. I want to stay in the PDP. But I don’t have a clear path to a smooth election victory under its banner anymore,” Eno explained. “Even with all the hard work we’ve done, and with our ability to win even without a party, national-level party issues like wrongly signed forms could ruin it all.”
He expressed frustration over administrative breakdowns within the PDP, such as forms being signed by unauthorized party officials, which could nullify valid election victories on technical grounds.
As Umo Eno tells appointees to defect or resign, it marks a clear ultimatum that aligns with his forthcoming political realignment. With this declaration, Akwa Ibom’s political landscape could undergo major changes in the coming weeks, especially as the 2027 elections approach.
