The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) seems to be suffering from some sort of undiagnosed defection flu, as the ruling All Progressives Congress has held within its grip another governor, further reducing the control of the PDP to only ten states: Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba, and Zamfara across the federation.
Quite a huge number of governors and political juggernauts began arriving in Akwa Ibom State on Thursday evening ahead of Governor Umo Enoโs expected defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), slated for today, Friday, June 6, 2025.
The attendees who arrived Akwa Ibom Government House in Uyo include Senator Prince Bassey Otu, Governor of Cross River State, and Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who also chairs the Progressive Governorsโ Forum.
Reports submitted indicated additionally that more senior APC leaders converged in the state this morning to formally welcome Governor Eno into the ruling party.
The looming defection has stirred political unrest within Akwa Ibom, as many PDP stalwarts have chosen to remain publicly silent. Sources within the party suggest that the leadership was caught off guard by both the speed and certainty of Enoโs decision.
Notably, several influential PDP members including elder statesmen, former officeholders, and political appointees have refrained from issuing statements, fueling speculation of internal rifts and quiet discontent.
Governor Enoโs move comes amid growing tension within his political circle.
Reports suggest that many of his aides such as Special Assistants (SAs), Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), and Personal Assistants (PAs) are unlikely to follow him to the APC.
The defection is seen as a major disruption to the PDPโs strategic plans for the 2027 elections, potentially upending the stateโs long-standing zoning and power-sharing agreements.
Locally, the decision has been met with resentment from several political actors who feel blindsided by what they describe as a betrayal and disloyalty to party system.
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