Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has reportedly directed all commissioners and political appointees in his cabinet to either defect with him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resign from their positions. The announcement was made during an ongoing State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting on Thursday, where the governor openly confirmed his decision to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Sources at the meeting stated that Governor Eno declared his defection should not surprise anyone, insisting that those unaware of his political shift are “still living in the 18th century.” He cited his admiration for President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and a desire to collaborate more closely with the Federal Government as his reasons for joining the APC.
Governor Eno emphasized that his decision was non-negotiable, warning that any appointee unwilling to align with him politically should step down. “Apart from elected officials like House of Assembly members and Local Government Chairmen, I have nothing to negotiate with you,” he stated firmly.
He also warned that any attempt by those remaining in the PDP to oppose him using the party structure would be futile, as he still intends to control the PDP structure in the state despite his defection. The EXCO meeting was ongoing at the time of the report, and further political shifts are expected in the coming hours. Governor Eno’s move marks a significant realignment in Akwa Ibom’s political landscape and could have broader implications for the state’s party dynamics and governance.
