Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has publicly defended his recent defection to Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), characterizing the move as a calculated decision aimed at advancing the interests of the oil-rich southeastern state. Speaking to reporters on Friday after formalizing his membership renewal in Ikot Ekpene Udo, part of the Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, the governor expressed unwavering confidence in his political realignment. “I am fully satisfied with the choice I have made,” Eno stated, underscoring his commitment to the party.
The remarks followed the August 4 launch of a state-wide APC membership registration drive, scheduled to run for one month across all 329 electoral wards. Eno framed the initiative as a mechanism to verify legitimate supporters and eliminate fraudulent participation within the party. “This exercise will help us streamline our structures and deepen engagement at the community level,” he explained, linking the effort to broader goals of organizational efficiency and grassroots outreach.
Addressing new and existing APC members, the governor urged unity and resilience in the face of criticism, stressing collaboration as essential to political progress. He further called for steadfast support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing collective action as pivotal to the party’s national ambitions. “Our focus must remain on strengthening the APC’s foundations and contributing to Nigeria’s development,” Eno said, framing his defection as part of a broader strategy to align Akwa Ibom with federal governance priorities.
The move marks a significant shift in the state’s political dynamics, given Akwa Ibom’s historical leanings toward opposition parties. Analysts speculate the governor’s alignment with the APC could reshape local alliances ahead of future elections, though Eno has consistently emphasized governance over partisan gains. The registration campaign, now in its third week, has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters hailing it as a transparency measure and critics questioning its timing amid Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges. As the exercise continues, its impact on party cohesion and voter mobilization remains a focal point for observers of Nigerian politics.
