Following the formal defection of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), strong indications are emerging that other governors in the opposition may soon take a similar route.
Eno’s move marks the second high-profile departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-South region in under two months.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State had made the jump earlier, signaling what some insiders now describe as a steady wave of defections tilting the political balance in favour of the APC. With Eno’s defection, the APC now governs 23 states, while the PDP controls 10. The remaining three states are under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Governors Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, are currently under the political microscope. Fintiri’s recent meeting with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu stirred speculation, especially amid reports of a strained relationship with PDP stalwart and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In Rivers State, Fubara was spotted with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos and earlier in the UK, raising more eyebrows. At a recent stakeholders’ meeting, he publicly praised the President’s role in “saving Rivers,” hinting at a warming relationship between both men.
Meanwhile, Enugu’s Governor Mbah has been defended by his PDP chapter, but similar assurances were made in Delta State before Oborevwori crossed over.
During Eno’s official declaration in Uyo, President Tinubu watched the event live on television, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio was represented by his wife. The event drew high-ranking APC leaders, including nine governors and several National Assembly members. Eno said his move was well-considered and intended to align Akwa Ibom more closely with the federal government.
“We are not joining the APC from a position of weakness but from a position of strength,” Eno declared during the event.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo, who led the APC governors, noted the President’s governance was attracting others. “Other Presidents left with learner’s permits, but Mr President has the driver’s licence, and he is driving us well,” he said.
Despite the jubilant reception, the defection wasn’t without resistance. Akwa Ibom’s Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, resigned, saying, “I am unable to join in that sojourn… My decision is borne out of my belief in politics with principles.”
Though the PDP in Akwa Ibom remained quiet for now, its chairman promised a response soon. “We don’t have anything to react to now, but we will definitely react,” he said.
Eno’s defection adds momentum to the APC’s broader strategy ahead of the 2027 elections. President Tinubu earlier remarked, “I’m glad about what we have, and I’m expecting more to come… Welcome to the progressives. Sweep them clean.”
