Why I Left PDP — Governor Umo Eno Speaks

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State stunned political observers across Nigeria on Friday by formally announcing his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking with biblical conviction, Governor Eno aligned his political decision with the biblical “children of Issachar,” who, according to him, “understood the times and knew what Israel should do.”

Justifying the move, Governor Umo Eno said his defection followed extensive consultations with stakeholders across the state. “I believe no one has moved from one party to another in this state with as much consultation as I’ve done,” he said. He submitted his resignation letter to the PDP ward chairman earlier in the day, with copies sent to the state and national chairmen of the party. “We are joining the APC not from a position of weakness but from a position of strength,” he declared.

Governor Umo Eno added that his political allegiance has shifted but his values remain unchanged. “I will continue to uphold my moral fibre and foundational principles. We will work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and help complete the reforms he has started.”

Reactions Trail Eno’s Defection: PDP Condemns, APC Celebrates

The PDP wasted no time in criticizing the defection, describing it as a betrayal of trust and the people’s will. Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, said the governor’s move was a personal decision that contradicted the collective aspirations of Akwa Ibom people. “Governor Eno is on a personal journey. If he wishes to save his skin, I wish him well,” Osadolor said.

According to him, the 2027 election will not be about individual politicians but about the survival of Nigeria amid insecurity, hunger, and economic hardship. “Nigerians are angrier today than they were in 2023. It’s tragic that someone like Governor Umo Eno, whom we supported as the first person with a disability to become governor in West Africa, would repay the party with betrayal.”

On the other hand, the APC leadership, including its National Working Committee and Governors Forum, welcomed Eno warmly. In a statement posted on X, the APC said his defection would foster greater progress for Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria. “We assure Governor Eno of our fullest cooperation and accommodation,” the party stated.

A Call for Loyalty: Cabinet Members Ordered to Defect or Resign

Governor Umo Eno made it clear that his defection was not a solitary move and called for total alignment within his administration. “I demand complete loyalty. You are an appointee at the pleasure of the Governor. I will not permit you to serve without joining my party,” he said during the formal defection ceremony.

The governor emphasized that his administration’s agenda for inclusive governance will continue but must now align with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Tinubu. “We will play from the APC flank, to the PDP flank, to IPAC, but Akwa Ibom will score the goals,” he said, likening the state to a football team playing across party lines for development.

However, not all officials agreed with the directive. Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deepsea Ports, Ini Ememobong, tendered his resignation, citing loyalty to his political beliefs. “Based on my personal conviction, I will be unable to join the APC,” Ememobong said in a statement.

APC Governors Assure Governor Umo Eno: ‘You Won’t Regret It’

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who chairs the Progressives Governors Forum, led eight other APC governors to the Akwa Ibom Government House to receive Governor Eno into the party. “You will not regret this decision. This is a homecoming,” Uzodimma assured.

The event was symbolic and strategic, featuring the presentation of the APC’s symbolic broom to Governor Umo Eno and the donning of the Renewed Hope cap. Other governors in attendance included Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Bassey Otu (Cross River). Senate President Godswill Akpabio was represented by his wife, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio.

Also present was the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu. Governor Uzodimma assured that both the Presidency and National Assembly will stand solidly behind Governor Eno’s administration.

The Road to 2027: Realignments and Political Calculations

Governor Umo Eno’s defection follows a similar move by his Delta State counterpart, Sheriff Oborevwori, fueling speculation of a broader realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections. For the APC, these moves are seen as strategic gains in the South-South, a region traditionally dominated by the PDP.

Political analysts believe Governor Umo Eno’s switch could tilt the balance of power in Akwa Ibom, especially with the defection of local government chairmen, state legislators, and members of the National Assembly who joined him. However, the PDP insists that the 2027 election will not be won through defections but by addressing the fundamental issues plaguing Nigerians.

As the political chessboard continues to shift, one thing is clear: Governor Umo Eno’s move has set the tone for what may become a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey toward 2027. Whether hailed as a pragmatic move or decried as betrayal, the consequences of this political cross-carpeting will unfold in the months to come.