Akwa Ibom State’s political landscape is undergoing a significant realignment as Governor Umo Eno has led at least 10 National Assembly members in a mass defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This move, confirmed by the APC, signals a major shift in the state’s political dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The lawmakers, who were previously elected under the platforms of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP), have pledged their allegiance to the ruling APC. Among those making the switch alongside Governor Eno are Senators Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South) and Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East), along with House of Representatives members Okpolupm Etteh, Paul Asuquo, Alphonsus Uduak, Ime Bassey, Martins Esin, Unyime Idem, and Mark Esset. Emmanuel Ukpongudo of the YPP is also joining the defection.
The APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Ijeoma Arodiogbu, officially confirmed the lawmakers’ defection, stating their allegiance to the ruling party. An aide to one of the defecting lawmakers revealed that their formal defection letters are expected to be read on the floor of the National Assembly by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas when federal lawmakers resume plenary on June 17.
This wave of defections follows Governor Umo Eno’s dramatic resignation from the PDP and formal entry into the APC last Friday. The ceremony, held in Uyo, was attended by prominent APC figures, including Imo State Governor and APC Governors’ Forum Chairman, Hope Uzodimma, and was reportedly monitored live by President Bola Tinubu via TVC News, underscoring the high-level interest in the political re-alignment.
Addressing his supporters in Uyo, Governor Eno stated, “I have decided to progressively move to the APC. Our government has always been an inclusive government, which will never change.” He explained that his decision was the culmination of “three months of wide consultations” across Akwa Ibom, referencing quotes from the Dalai Lama about embracing change while holding onto core values.
While Governor Eno’s defection has been described by some as a strategic move to align the state with the federal “center” for increased development, it has also met with internal resistance. Unlike the defection of Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in April, which saw the entire PDP structure in the state follow suit, at least three commissioners in Governor Eno’s cabinet have resigned in protest, refusing to join the APC. Notably, former Governor Udom Emmanuel, Eno’s political mentor, was absent from the defection ceremony and has reiterated his loyalty to the PDP.
Despite the mixed reactions, a lawmaker involved in the defection, who spoke anonymously to Punch, insisted that the decision to follow Governor Eno was not due to external pressure. “We left with the governor on June 6. When I say we, I mean all the PDP National Assembly members (from Akwa Ibom State), including one YPP member. We followed our leader to the APC,” the lawmaker affirmed.
The APC has since confirmed that discussions are ongoing to woo four other PDP governors, even as opposition leaders accuse the ruling party of pushing Nigeria towards a one-party state. This mass defection from Akwa Ibom marks a significant consolidation of power for the APC in the South-South region, traditionally a stronghold of the PDP.
