Governor Umo Eno defects to APC, cites federal partnership, development goals

DDM News

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has officially announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The announcement was made during a gathering at the Government House Banquet Hall in Uyo, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathers.

Governor Eno, who was elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has served for two years in office.

He explained that the decision followed wide consultations with political stakeholders and leaders across Akwa Ibom State.

The governor described the defection as a forward-looking step aimed at greater development for the people of the state.

He clarified that the move was not a rejection of past alliances but a strategic shift for improved governance.

Governor Eno emphasized the need for stronger collaboration with the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said the realignment with APC was based on clarity and strength, not political pressure or coercion from external forces.

Prominent APC governors from Ogun, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Imo, and Ebonyi states attended the high-profile defection ceremony.

Their presence at the event signaled the political significance and broader implications of the governor’s decision for national politics.

Eno expressed appreciation for the PDP, acknowledging its support and cooperation during his time in office as governor.

He stated that the PDP had provided a strong foundation for his administration’s achievements in the past two years.

However, he stressed that continued progress in Akwa Ibom required new alignments with the ruling party at the center.

“We cannot afford to be disconnected from the center if we truly want to accelerate our development,” the governor noted.

The governor assured that his administration would continue to run an inclusive government despite the political shift to the APC.

He mentioned that his current appointees are expected to follow him in this new political direction for the state.

However, he emphasized that those remaining in the PDP would not be antagonized or treated unfairly by his administration.

Governor Eno expressed confidence that, in time, all Akwa Ibomites would understand and support the reasons behind his defection.

He revealed that his final decision came after a decisive meeting with stakeholders held the night before the announcement.

These consultations, he said, confirmed that joining the APC was the right path for the future of the state.

The governor pledged full support for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.

He maintained that his commitment to good governance would remain strong, regardless of party lines or political affiliations.

Governor Eno urged political actors to focus on unity, stressing that Akwa Ibom people deserve consistent and effective leadership.

He reiterated that his administration’s top priority remains the delivery of democratic dividends to every part of the state.

The defection is expected to reshape Akwa Ibom’s political landscape and influence future strategies ahead of upcoming elections.

Analysts say the move may weaken the PDP’s structure in the state and boost APC’s influence in the South-South.

Despite differing opinions, Eno maintained that the defection was done in the best interest of Akwa Ibom residents.

He said the decision was made with courage and hope for a brighter future for the people of the state.

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