Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the All Progressives Congress, ending months of speculation about his political future.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday in Uyo, the state capital, Eno said the decision came after over three months of meetings and discussions with political leaders and stakeholders across the state.
“For some time now, the political space—particularly in this state and across the nation—has been filled with speculation about my potential defection from the PDP, the platform that facilitated my rise to the position of governor,” Eno said.
“This conversation has generated diverse opinions. Today, I am here to address those lingering questions. As the Dalai Lama once said, ‘We should always be open to change, but not let go of our shared values.’”
Governor Eno confirmed that he has formally resigned from the PDP. “Earlier this morning, I submitted a formal letter of resignation to the ward chairman of the PDP. Copies were also sent to both the state and national chairmen,” he stated.
He thanked the PDP for supporting him throughout his political journey. “I want to thank the PDP for their support, their love, and the opportunity to serve Akwa Ibom under their banner over the past two years.”
According to the governor, the move to join the APC was not sudden or rushed. He said he made the decision after carefully listening to the views of many political leaders across Akwa Ibom.
“I believe no one in the political history of this state has consulted as widely as I have before making such a move,” Eno explained. “I did it out of respect for all of you—as stakeholders in the Akwa Ibom project. I needed your counsel and felt it was important to explain the reasons behind this decision.”
He added that his final meeting with PDP stakeholders took place on Thursday night.
Eno said the current political climate demanded bold decisions. “We must be able to interpret the times, flow with them, and not swim against the tide,” he said. “Having completed my consultations, I have now decided to align myself with the All Progressives Congress.”
With this move, Governor Eno becomes the latest high-profile politician to switch parties as political alignments shift ahead of future elections.
