Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that it would be hypocritical to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from afar without joining his party.
Speaking at Government House in Uyo on Friday, Governor Eno described his move as the result of wide consultations and a desire to align fully with the president’s vision for Nigeria.
“I can’t be visiting the president in the night and saying something else during the day,” Eno said. “I’m not known to talk from both sides of my mouth. If I believe in something, I go all out for it.”
The governor, who was elected under the PDP in 2023, said it would be “an aberration” to profess love for President Tinubu without believing in his party.
“It is anti-party to support the president and not join his party. I’ve decided to join the train of the president, to support him, so I will not be accused of anti-party.”
He acknowledged that the PDP had given him a platform, but said change is constant and his values would remain intact.
“I have changed my political affiliation, but my values and moral fibre remain the same. I thank the PDP for their support, but this is a defining moment.”
Eno said he had consulted widely across the state and received full backing from President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and APC governors. He emphasized that his government would continue to be inclusive.
“No matter your party, you’re first an Akwa Ibom person. Political party is just a vehicle — we must work together to build our state.”
Calling for unity, he urged Akwa Ibom indigenes in APC to return home and help rebuild the party.
“Let us renew, build, and ensure we return our president in 2027,” Eno said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by his wife Ekaette Unoma, commended Eno’s bold decision and warned him to expect criticism.
“They will malign you and abuse you, but don’t fear. You have a lion in Mr President and another in the Senate President. You’ll succeed,” she said.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who led nine other APC governors to the event, welcomed Eno and praised President Tinubu’s leadership.
“Other presidents left with learner’s permits, but Mr President has a driver’s licence and is steering Nigeria in the right direction,” Uzodinma said.
The ceremony was attended by governors of Edo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Cross River, Ebonyi, Lagos, Delta, and Imo States.
Governor Eno also issued a loyalty ultimatum to his appointees, warning that anyone unwilling to follow him to the APC should resign.
