Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). He made the announcement at a press conference in Uyo on Friday, marking a major shift in the state’s political landscape.
“Having completed the rounds of my consultations as your servant, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the All Progressives Congress (APC),” Eno stated. His defection comes weeks after his Delta State counterpart, Sheriff Oborevwori, also left the PDP for the APC.
Eno’s Move to APC Follows Tinubu Support
Governor Eno said he joined the APC not from weakness but “from a position of strength.” He cited his desire to support the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu as a key reason for the switch. “We are joining the APC to give full backing to the President’s economic reforms,” he said.
Eno’s defection had been anticipated since April, when he openly declared support for President Tinubu during the flag-off of a federal highway project in Nsit-Antai. Two weeks ago, the governor instructed his commissioners and appointees to either follow him to the APC or resign.
Governor’s Background and Political Rise
A native of Ikot Ekpene Udo in the Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Umo Eno was born on April 24, 1964. He earned his degrees from the University of Uyo, bagging a BSc in Political Science and Public Administration and later a Master’s in Public Administration.
Before entering politics, Eno had a successful banking career and later founded the All Nations Christian Ministry International. He previously served as the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources in Akwa Ibom under the PDP before emerging as governor.
Umo Eno Dumps PDP for APC
The headline Umo Eno dumps PDP for APC now defines the new direction of politics in Akwa Ibom State. Governor Eno’s defection signals a growing trend among southern governors realigning politically. With this move, Akwa Ibom’s 2027 political equation may take a new shape, especially with a governor who now boldly says, “We are joining the APC from a position of strength.”
