Key points

• Governor Eno asked appointees to defect or resign.

• He cited Tinubu’s leadership as a reason for joining APC.

• PDP appointees who resist may lose political backing.

Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has openly declared his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), ordering his commissioners and political appointees to either follow him or resign from their posts.

The announcement was made during a State Executive Council meeting on Thursday. According to sources present, Eno told his cabinet that his move to APC had long been expected and should surprise no one.

“Anyone claiming to be unaware of my decision is still living in the 18th century,” the governor said, making it clear that his political realignment is non-negotiable.

He added that his shift was motivated by admiration for President Bola Tinubu’s leadership style and a desire to work more closely with the federal government.

Defection linked to Tinubu’s leadership style

Governor Eno, who has served under the PDP banner, emphasized that his decision to join APC is a strategic move aimed at aligning Akwa Ibom more closely with the center of power.

“I have seen how President Tinubu leads this country, and I want to support that leadership,” he said.

He warned that anyone hoping to remain in the PDP and oppose him politically would be fighting a losing battle. “I will still control the PDP structure, so don’t think you can use it against me,” Eno declared.

Appointees face deadline in political shake-up

The governor’s directive could trigger a major political reshuffle in Akwa Ibom as appointees scramble to choose between loyalty to the governor or allegiance to the PDP.

He specifically exempted elected officials such as House of Assembly members and local government chairmen from the ultimatum but gave no room for negotiation with others.

“Aside from those elected, I have nothing to discuss with you if you won’t follow me,” he said.

The meeting was still ongoing at the time of this report, and further decisions may solidify this dramatic shift in the state’s political landscape.

Gov Eno’s defection to APC marks a significant blow to the PDP in Akwa Ibom and signals potential realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.