The political landscape of Akwa Ibom State is gripped by anticipation as Governor Umo Eno is slated to formally abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) today. The high-profile defection, taking place at the Banquet Hall of the Akwa Ibom Government House in Uyo, has ignited significant division among PDP stakeholders within the state.
Confirming the gravity of the event, the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has already arrived in Uyo to receive Governor Eno into the party. He is joined by the Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu. While more APC governors and party chieftains from across the country were expected to attend, the scale of the event has been reduced due to the Eid-el-Kabir holidays.
Security measures have been significantly heightened around the Government House, with a visible presence of Department of State Services (DSS) operatives and police officers deployed to strategic locations, underscoring the political sensitivity of the defection.
However, Governor Eno’s move is not without its internal dissent within the PDP. Several prominent stakeholders have openly expressed their displeasure regarding the governor’s decision. Among the most vocal opponents is Emmanuel Enoidem, a former National Legal Adviser of the PDP and a key supporter of Governor Eno’s successful 2023 election campaign.
Enoidem has firmly maintained that the PDP remains a strong force in Akwa Ibom State and is fully committed to presenting candidates in the 2027 general elections, irrespective of the governor’s exit.
According to an itinerary obtained by The Nation, Governor Eno is scheduled to address a select group of journalists at 2:00 p.m. today, shortly after his defection ceremony. This address is expected to provide further insights into the motivations behind his significant political shift.
