Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State on Friday officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring his support for President Bola Tinubu’s reform initiatives.
Speaking at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Uyo, Governor Eno said his defection was a deliberate and transparent decision to align with the progressive vision of the current administration.
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“I did not want to speak from both sides of my mouth. I felt the need to come out formally to join the progressives and avoid anti-party activities,” Eno stated.
The governor revealed that he had undertaken wide-ranging consultations with key stakeholders in what he described as “Project Akwa Ibom,” before reaching his decision.
“Earlier this morning, I submitted my formal resignation letter from the PDP to my ward chairman. Copies have also been sent to the state and national chairmen,” he said.
Eno expressed his gratitude to the PDP for its support over the past two years, during which he led the affairs of Akwa Ibom State under its platform.
He emphasised that his decision followed months of dialogue and engagement across the state.
“I don’t think anyone who has ever switched political parties has done the level of consultation that I have undertaken. I did this out of respect for each of you the stakeholders in Project Akwa Ibom,” he noted.
He explained that the culmination of these consultations took place the previous night, when he met with PDP stakeholders at the same venue to provide full clarity on his reasons for leaving.
“We must be able to read the times and move with them, not against the tide,” he said.
“Having completed my consultations, I have decided to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). Today, I make that bold declaration.”
The  Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr Udeme Otong, expressed full support for the governor’s decision and announced that all 25 members of the assembly would follow suit.
Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Akwa Ibom South in the National Assembly, also pledged to move with the governor.
Governor Eno was formally received into the APC by the party’s state chairman, Mr Stephen Ntukekpo, who applauded the governor’s move as being in the best interest of Akwa Ibom people.
“The governor’s decision transcends party politics. It is about the future of Akwa Ibom,” Ntukekpo said.
In his remarks, Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, welcomed Eno and his supporters, assuring them of the party’s full backing.
“You will not regret this decision. The APC will support your administration to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Akwa Ibom and beyond,” Uzodimma assured.
Other dignitaries present at the event included Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Bassey Otu (Cross River).
