The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dissolved its executives in Akwa Ibom State, a move prompted by the defection of the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on June 6. This development marks a significant shift in the state’s political landscape, as Akwa Ibom had been under PDP control since the return of civil rule in 1999.

According to Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, the decision to dissolve the executives was necessitated by the fact that they were being controlled by the governor, who has now exited the party. Ologunagba explained that the PDP’s national leadership noticed an alignment between the state executives and the APC, which is in contravention of the party’s constitution. Section 10, subsection 6 of the PDP constitution prohibits members from aligning with other parties or groups to undermine the party or its selected government.

Ologunagba stated that the governor’s defection and subsequent announcement that he would be in charge of both parties made it clear that the Akwa Ibom executives were no longer loyal to the PDP. This move is seen as an effort by the PDP to reassert its control and maintain its integrity in the state. The dissolution of the executives comes four months after the governor’s defection, which was the second such instance in the South-South region, following the defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State.

The PDP’s decision to dissolve its executives in Akwa Ibom State highlights the ongoing power dynamics and realignments in Nigerian politics. As the country’s political landscape continues to evolve, the PDP’s move is likely to have significant implications for the state’s political structure and the party’s national ambitions. With the dissolution of the executives, the PDP is set to reconstitute its leadership in Akwa Ibom State, a development that will be closely watched by political observers and analysts.