JUST IN: Defection storm hits PDP as Akwaibom Gov dumps party for APC

In a major political shake-up, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), triggering widespread reactions across the nation’s political landscape.

Governor Eno formally declared his defection in Uyo, the state capital, on Friday, marking the culmination of growing speculations and subtle political shifts observed in recent weeks.

The dramatic switch was attended by a retinue of high-ranking APC governors and chieftains, reinforcing its national significance.

Eno’s move comes just days after he publicly hinted at the realignment during a town hall meeting in Ikot Abasi. While addressing the crowd, he stated: “It is time to move,” suggesting that Akwa Ibom must now align with the APC-led federal government.

“The decision was not taken lightly. After wide consultations with stakeholders, traditional rulers, and political associates, I have decided to join the APC for the sake of unity and development,” Eno declared before a jubilant crowd of party faithful.

The town hall meeting served as a prelude to what became a grand declaration ceremony, attended by top APC figures, including the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.

Also present to receive Eno into the APC were Governors Bassey Otu (Cross River), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), and surprisingly, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, a PDP governor, who has yet to clarify his presence at the event.

Eno’s defection is seen as a significant blow to the PDP in the South-South, especially in a state that has long stood as one of the party’s strongholds.

Political analysts view the governor’s move as a strategic political gamble aimed at securing stronger federal support and positioning Akwa Ibom for greater infrastructural gains under the APC-led administration.

PDP insiders in Akwa Ibom expressed disappointment over the governor’s exit, calling it a betrayal of party loyalty and the mandate given to him by PDP supporters in the 2023 gubernatorial elections.

APC stalwarts, however, have hailed the defection as a “homecoming,” claiming Eno’s leadership style and development agenda align more naturally with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope initiative.

With this defection, political observers expect ripple effects in the state’s House of Assembly and local government councils, where allegiance to the governor may influence further realignments.

Governor Eno now faces the daunting task of uniting his new party ranks while managing possible fallout from PDP loyalists, some of whom may not follow him into the APC.

As the 2027 general elections approach, Eno’s move could redefine political calculations in the South-South zone, giving the APC an edge in a region long dominated by the PDP.

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