Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has issued a clear directive to his commissioners and political appointees: defect with him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resign from his cabinet.
Speaking at a State Executive Council meeting on Thursday, Governor Eno confirmed widespread speculation that he is leaving the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) due to ongoing internal crises within the party.
“It’s no more news that I’m moving party. If you don’t know that by now, I don’t know what else you know,” Eno told members of his cabinet.
He stated that while no one is compelled to join him in the APC, remaining in his government while holding allegiance to another party would not be tolerated.
“You are free not to join me, but you won’t be in my state executive council,” Eno declared. “You better just be prepared to resign the day I announce that I’m moving because you are an appointee and your loyalty is to me.”
He added, “You can’t be in my cabinet and play anti-party. It’s not a threat; it is what it is. I won’t beg you to come.”
PDP Loyalty, But No Clear Path
Governor Eno expressed a sentimental attachment to the PDP, stating, “I love the PDP, I want to stay in the PDP.” However, he cited uncertainty surrounding the party’s cohesion at the national level and concerns over potential technical disqualifications during future elections.
He warned of the risks associated with the party’s disorganized structure, referencing past issues where candidates lost elections due to procedural lapses like improperly signed nomination forms.
“You take your form, they send it to INEC, you run all the elections, you perhaps win the elections and just on technical grounds, because the wrong person signed your form, you lose everything,” he said.
Despite his concerns, Eno expressed confidence in the support his administration enjoys in the state, saying, “With the work that all of us have done, even if we contest on a zero party, we will win this election.”
The governor’s announcement is expected to trigger political realignments in Akwa Ibom State, a PDP stronghold, as the 2027 general elections begin to shape the political landscape.
