The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). The declaration was made on Friday, June 6, during a formal gathering at the Government House in Uyo.
The governor explained that his decision to switch parties came after “three months of wide consultation” with political stakeholders, elders, and community leaders across the state. According to him, the move is part of a strategic step to align Akwa Ibom with the ruling party at the federal level.
During the announcement, Governor Eno took time to thank the PDP, the party under which he was elected, for the role it played in supporting his political journey. However, he noted that it was time to take what he called a “progressive step” forward.
“After completing the rounds of my consultation as your servant whom you have elected to serve, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the APC,” Eno stated.
He further noted that his admiration for President Bola Tinubu and the leadership style of Senate President Godswill Akpabio influenced his decision.
“We are joining the APC today in the state interest and because of our critical admiration and respect for President Tinubu and to provide the needed support for Senate President, Godswill Akpabio,” he said.
Governor Eno also made it clear that his decision was not due to political pressure or weakness but rather a conscious move made from “a position of strength.”
“We are not joining the APC from the position of weakness but from the position of strength and alive. We are joining the APC out of a need to align our state with the center,” he added.
The event was attended by several APC governors and top figures from across the country. Those present included Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who also chairs the Progressives Governors Forum, as well as Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Bassey Otu (Cross River), among others.
