In a surprising turn of events, the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has refused to remove the photographs of Governor Umo Eno from its secretariat, six months after his defection to another party. A recent visit to the PDP secretariat in Uyo revealed that the governor’s official portrait and campaign posters are still prominently displayed in strategic positions and offices.

This development has sparked curiosity and raised questions among party faithfuls and observers alike, with some wondering why the party has not taken down the governor’s images despite his formal exit. Concerned PDP chieftains have attributed this to the governor’s earlier statement that he would continue to exert control over the party even after leaving, a claim that has not gone down well with loyal party members.

The situation has been further complicated by allegations that the erstwhile PDP chairman in Akwa Ibom, Aniekan Akpan, has been attending gatherings of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party to which Governor Eno defected. This has led to a split within the PDP in the state, with a new faction emerging under the leadership of Umoren Iquat, who was announced by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) after the dissolution of Akpan’s executive committee.

However, Akpan has disputed this development, claiming that he remains in charge of the party in the state and urging members to disregard the announcement of his removal. He argued that the NWC did not hold a formal meeting to dissolve his executive committee and that the party’s national secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has issued a statement to that effect.

A group within the PDP, known as PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice, has called on Akpan to formally register with the APC, citing his alleged fraternization with the party while still claiming to be a member of the PDP. With the state’s political landscape undergoing significant changes, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the outcome of the 2027 general elections in Akwa Ibom, a state that has traditionally been a stronghold of the PDP. The ongoing power struggle within the party is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the state’s political future.