Governor Umo Eno’s Defection to APC: A New Dawn for Akwa Ibom Politics
In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, Governor Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom State officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The momentous event, held at the Nest of Champions Stadium in Uyo, drew national attention and is widely seen as a significant turning point in the political dynamics of the South-South region.
The historic reception was presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who attended on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Addressing thousands of jubilant party supporters and dignitaries, Vice President Shettima described Governor Eno’s defection as “a bold, patriotic, and visionary step” that would usher in a new era of accelerated development for the oil-rich state.
“The decision of Governor Umo Eno to join the APC is not only a victory for our party,” said Shettima, “it is a victory for the people of Akwa Ibom who deserve to be part of the renewed hope agenda of the Tinubu-led administration”.
The national significance of the defection was underscored by the presence of top-ranking party officials. Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, National Chairman of the APC, led the party’s National Working Committee to Uyo, reaffirming the APC’s resolve to consolidate power in the South-South and support Governor Eno’s development vision.
In a show of unity and political strength, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, arrived with a formidable delegation of APC governors from across the federation. Among the Governors present were: Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Francis Nwifuru(Ebonyi), Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Senator Ovie Omo-Agege (Delta) and the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo.
Their collective presence highlighted the importance the party places on the strategic value of Akwa Ibom in national politics.
Also lending weight to the occasion was Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh, former Minister of State for Science and Technology and a prominent figure in the APC. In his address, Chief Ikoh commended Governor Eno’s courage and foresight, calling the defection a “watershed moment for regional collaboration and national progress”.
He added, “This is a unifying move that opens a new chapter in Akwa Ibom’s political trajectory. Governor Eno has shown he is ready to put his people first by aligning with the center”.
Speaking to a thunderous crowd, Governor Umo Eno explained that his decision to leave the PDP was not born out of personal ambition but rather a commitment to the socio-economic advancement of Akwa Ibom. He cited the need for closer alignment with the federal government to unlock major infrastructure projects—most notably the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport, which has languished due to inadequate federal backing.
“I have taken this step in the interest of our people,” Governor Eno declared. “Akwa Ibom must be fully integrated into the national development agenda. By working closely with President Tinubu and the APC leadership, we can finally bring the Ibom Deep Seaport to life, expand job creation, and unleash the full potential of our economy”.
He called for healing and reconciliation among APC stakeholders in the state, urging them to embrace a unified vision for the future. “Let us put aside personal grievances. Our collective goal must be the prosperity of Akwa Ibom and the empowerment of its people”.
Governor Eno’s defection significantly alters the political map of the South-South region, long considered a PDP stronghold. With Akwa Ibom now under APC control, political analysts predict a major power shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This move is also expected to trigger realignments within the state’s political structure, as local PDP leaders consider their next steps in response to the governor’s departure.
The defection of Governor Umo Eno to the APC marks a watershed moment in Akwa Ibom’s political history. As the state pivots toward deeper integration with the federal government, many observers are hopeful that this will translate into tangible benefits for the people—particularly in infrastructure, investment, and youth empowerment.
Whether this bold move pays off politically and developmentally remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Akwa Ibom’s political landscape will never be the same again.
