Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, formally defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All-Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday, in a high-profile ceremony attended by several APC governors and key national figures. His defection marks a significant political shift in the South-South region and raises the prospect of further defections from the opposition party.
Eno becomes the second PDP governor in the region to join the APC in less than two months, following Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State. With this move, the APC now controls 23 states, while the PDP holds 10. One state each is governed by the Labour Party, the All-Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Rising Defection Speculation
The spotlight now turns to other PDP governors including Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers)—many of whom have been rumored to be considering a switch to the APC.
Fintiri is reportedly estranged from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and his recent meeting with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has fueled speculation. Mbah, meanwhile, faces internal party resistance despite repeated denials of any defection plans—similar to what unfolded before Oborevwori’s eventual switch.
Rivers State Governor Fubara, suspended earlier this year by President Bola Tinubu under an emergency declaration, has also been seen engaging with APC leadership, including private meetings with the President in the UK and Lagos.
Defection Ceremony and Political Statements
Governor Eno’s defection was watched live on TV by President Tinubu, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio represented by his wife, Unoma Akpabio. He was welcomed by nine APC governors, led by Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, and accompanied by other prominent leaders including former Kebbi governor and current Budget Minister Atiku Bagudu.
Speaking at the Government House in Uyo, Eno said his move was driven by pragmatism, not weakness:
We are joining the APC from a position of strength. We want to connect Akwa Ibom to the centre, and support the President not from a distance, but as part of the team.
Using an airline metaphor, Eno previously likened the PDP to a grounded aircraft:
If the plane you planned to fly develops a fault, wouldn’t you board another to reach your destination?
He added that appointees unwilling to join him should resign, prompting the Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, to tender his resignation, citing personal political convictions.
APC Leadership Welcomes Eno
In a goodwill message, Akpabio praised Eno’s decision as courageous and reminded him to prepare for criticism:
You have a lion in Mr President and another in me; fear no one.
Uzodimma said Tinubu’s leadership continues to attract high-profile figures:
This President didn’t come with a learner’s permit—he has a full driver’s license and is steering the nation forward.
After his formal declaration, Eno registered as a member of the APC in Obotim Ward, Nsit Ubium LGA, solidifying his commitment to the ruling party.
Reactions and Fallout
The PDP in Akwa Ibom has yet to issue an official statement, with State Chairman Aniekan Akpan stating, We will definitely react, but not now.
Meanwhile, Ememobong, in his resignation letter, emphasized that his decision was based on principle, not personal animosity:
I believe in politics with principles. My relationship with the governor remains respectful and intact.
The APC, through its National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, described Eno’s defection as a major boost for the party in the South-South region.
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