Akwa Ibom Governor to Join Oborevwori in APC As PDP Mass Defection Continues
The political climate in Akwa Ibom State is growing increasingly volatile following widespread reports that Governor Umo Eno is preparing to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Though not yet formally announced, signs and utterances surrounding the Governor’s recent activities have only deepened speculation and debate.
A key flashpoint in this political evolution was Governor Eno’s warm endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, both APC stalwarts, during the flag-off of the construction of the coastal highway in the state. For many observers, that was the first public signal of a potential realignment.
“It’s the kind of endorsement you don’t give lightly especially not when you
are a sitting PDP governor it’s a handshake that extends beyond the elbow.” Said Iniobong Udoh, a political analyst
However, a subtler but no less significant indication of political estrangement emerged in the exchange of birthday greetings between Governor Eno and his predecessor and political mentor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.
In his heartfelt message, Udom Emmanuel referred to Eno as “my worthy successor”. Pouring encomiums on his governance and reaffirming their earlier political alignment, Emmanuel added, “Today, nearly two years after you took over the baton of leadership, you have proven in no small measure what we saw in you…”
But what raised eyebrows across political circles was that Governor Eno, in his detailed response thanking dignitaries and party leaders, made no mention whatsoever of his predecessor or any member of the national leadership of his political party the PDP. Analysts describe this omission as more than a snub, but a political statement wrapped in silence.
“In politics, what is unsaid often speaks louder than what is said. Governor Eno thanked virtually everyone from the President and Vice President to the Judiciary and orphanage visitors but skipped Udom Emmanuel? That’s deliberate.” Dr. Emem Okwong, a political communication expert at the University of Uyo. “ remarked
The situation is also creating internal turbulence in the state’s PDP caucus. Lawmakers in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly were reportedly disappointed that they had not been properly consulted. Their absence at the Easter “Evening of Hymns”, allegedly under threat of impeaching the Speaker if he attended, suggested a widening internal rift.
Further fueling controversy are alleged reports that lawmakers demanded N100 million each in exchange for their support of the Governor’s political shift, an offer he allegedly found offensive. “This isn’t governance anymore; it’s brinkmanship,” a top political aide who craved anonymity said
Meanwhile, the APC machinery in the state appears to be warming up for a grand reception. Recent appointments and strategic party realignments are widely seen as preparation for a high-profile defection.
One such preparation was the recent appointment of Adede Kufre Okure, better known by his nickname Kokoty, as the Political Leader of Ikot Ekpene LGA of the All Progressives Congress APC. Okure works in the National Assembly as a Special Assistant to the President of the 10th Senate on Protocol, and he is also a member of the South East Development Commission SEDC.
During a recent public appearance, the Governor offered an analogy that, for many, left little to interpretation: “If Ibom Air is faulty, and Air Peace can get you to your destination, you take the flight that works.” The comment, widely circulated on social media, is now being cited as a metaphor for his readiness to switch political allegiance.
In his official birthday response, Governor Eno emphasized his commitment to the state and made strong appeals to cross-party stakeholders:
“I will continue to advance the collective interest of our State for the greater good. I remain committed to exploring avenues to diversify our economy through technology, tourism, and our internally Generated Revenue.”. He wrote
The Governor’s camp has attempted to downplay the political undertones. The Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniekan Umanah, while not confirming the defection, said: Whatever decision the Governor makes, will be in the best interest of Akwa Ibom people.”
Meanwhile, things are said to be shifting quickly underground. Reports indicate that payments of entitlements to former political office holders are being accelerated, allegedly as part of an incentive to consolidate cross-party loyalty ahead of the rumored defection.
Within the PDP, senior figures are reportedly engaged in frantic behind-the-scenes diplomacy, urging the Governor to reconsider or at least delay his political shift until the 2027 election cycle. But some fear it may already be too late.
In the APC, however, celebration seems imminent. Members have been boasting about a “final takeover” of the state, with Umo Eno as their latest prize.
With Governor Eno’s alleged planned defection, PDP, long considered a political religion in Akwa Ibom State is feared to be on its way down. Every grab on the microphone by Governor Eno sends cold shivers down the spines of the party faithful in the state.
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