A major political storm is brewing in Akwa Ibom State following Governor Umo Eno’s public declaration of his intention to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC)—a move that was immediately and loudly rejected by the people he hopes to carry along.
The governor made the surprise announcement during a Town Square Meeting on Wednesday in Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, where he addressed party supporters, stakeholders, and local residents at the Ikot Abasi Local Government Grounds.
Speaking confidently, Governor Eno told the crowd he had consulted widely and concluded that aligning with the APC—the ruling party at the federal level—was the right step forward for Akwa Ibom.
“We’re progressively moving forward, linking Akwa Ibom to the center. And I know you’re going with us. Are you going with us, so we can connect to the center?” he asked the gathering.
But instead of cheers, the question was met with a resounding “No!” from most of the crowd, drowning out a few scattered “Yes” responses. The open resistance visibly shook the moment, turning what was expected to be a rallying point into a politically charged scene.
Despite the backlash, Governor Eno stood his ground. He explained that his decision was not based on personal gain, but on what he believes to be the best political strategy for the state. He stressed the need for Akwa Ibom to remain relevant in national politics and not remain isolated by party loyalty.
“We thank you for your support. I’ve gone round to consult… And so we have done enough consultation. The time has come that we will move. And we will go to where God is leading us,” he declared.
Governor Eno said that staying in opposition could weaken the state’s influence in federal matters, pointing out that Akwa Ibom already faces the challenges of being a minority state in Nigeria.
“If we come again and start breaking ourselves into pieces, we become minority of the minorities and cannot get anything,” he warned.
He also urged the people to believe in his leadership and in President Bola Tinubu, adding that the state must stand behind Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and himself as they prepare for the 2027 general elections.
“Do not be afraid. Believe in us. Believe in President Bola Tinubu because the future is bright,” Eno added.
Governor Eno’s announcement signals a major political shift in Akwa Ibom, a state that has historically been a stronghold of the PDP since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999. The state has consistently voted for PDP candidates at both state and national levels.
His move also follows increasing calls from APC leaders to bring more states into alignment with the federal government. With the next general election just two years away, many analysts see Eno’s potential defection as part of wider strategic realignments ahead of 2027.
However, the strong resistance from the grassroots suggests that winning public support for the move may be an uphill task. Several attendees at the town hall openly expressed their displeasure, with some accusing the governor of betrayal.
“We voted PDP, not APC. This is not the change we asked for,” one attendee said angrily after the meeting.
Political watchers say the governor may face internal challenges within the PDP and among local supporters, who may view his defection as opportunistic. It remains unclear whether Eno will carry the entire state structure with him or face pushback from party loyalists determined to keep Akwa Ibom in the PDP fold.
