Governor Umo Eno’s Sudden Defection to APC Sparks Division in Akwa Ibom State
In a shocking turn of events, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State is set to defect from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday. This move has sent ripples through the state’s political landscape, with stakeholders of the PDP reportedly divided over the governor’s decision. The Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodinma, and his Cross River State counterpart, Bassey Otu, have already arrived in Uyo to welcome Eno into the ruling party.
The defection ceremony, scheduled to take place at the banquet hall of the Government House by 12 noon, is expected to be attended by other APC governors and chieftains from across the country. However, due to the Muslim Sallah holiday, the event has been toned down from its initial grand plans. Security around the Government House has been beefed up, with a significant deployment of operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police.
Not all stakeholders in the state are supportive of Eno’s move, with some PDP members expressing opposition to his defection. Emmanuel Enoidem, a former National Legal Adviser of the PDP and a key supporter of Eno’s election in 2023, has hinted that the PDP will still present candidates for the 2027 election, indicating that the party’s plans will not be derailed by the governor’s defection.
As the drama unfolds, Governor Eno is scheduled to address a select group of journalists at 2 p.m. after his defection, where he is expected to explain the reasons behind his decision. The implications of this move are far-reaching, and it remains to be seen how it will affect the political dynamics of Akwa Ibom State and the wider Nigerian political landscape. One thing is certain, however: Governor Umo Eno’s defection to the APC has set the stage for a fascinating and potentially volatile political season in Nigeria.
