Victor Ezeja
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has finally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Prime Business Africa reports that Eno officially left the PDP for the ruling APC on Friday, 6 June 2025, ending months of speculation about his political standing.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a statement via his X handle on Friday, Governor Eno said his decision to join the APC was driven by “the need to align Akwa Ibom State with the Federal Government to attract more development and opportunities for our people.”
He said he had always believed that political parties are like vehicles to get elected, but governance must be about unity, inclusivity, and shared values.
“Today, I announced my formal movement from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC),” governor Eno stated.
“My decision is driven by enlightened state interest and the need to align Akwa Ibom State with the Federal Government to attract more development and opportunities for our people.
“I have always believed that political parties are vehicles to get elected, but governance must be about unity, inclusivity, and shared values.”
He pledged to remain committed to the values of transparency, bipartisanship, and an unwavering focus on the collective good of Akwa Ibom State and its people.
“I will continue to work tirelessly for our state’s growth, peace, and prosperity. Let us move forward together, united in purpose, driven by hope, and dedicated to building a stronger, more inclusive Akwa Ibom,” he further stated.
After the announcement of defection to the APC on Friday, Eno visited the Senate President and former governor of the state, Senator Godswill Akpabio, at the latter’s private residence in Uyo, the State capital.
Commenting on the development after Eno’s visit, Akpabio, in a statement posted on his Facebook page, described the incumbent governor’s decision as a “historic” one.
“It is with utmost joy that I received our governor, Pastor Umo Eno PhD, his deputy, Akon Eyakenyi, All Progressives Congress Governors led by the chairman of the Forum, Hope Uzodimma and other stakeholders of our party, at my residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after the historic defection of my brother, Governor Eno, members of the State Executive Council, Federal and State lawmakers, as well as council chairmen into the Progressives’ family.
“Thank you, Mr Governor, for having the interest of our people at heart. Congratulations and welcome to the fold,” Akpabio stated.
Prime Business Africa reports that eight APC governors, witnessed Governor Eno’s announcement. The governors who were also part of the delegation that accompanied Eno to Akpabio’s home included chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti); Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi); and Bassey Out (Cross River).
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Eno was elected governor on the platform of the PDP in the 2023 general election. He succeeded Udom Emmanuel, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023.
Meanwhile, the APC has welcomed Governor Eno to the party.
In a statement signed by APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party expressed delight over the news of the governor of Akwa Ibom state joining their fold.
The statement said: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, is delighted at the news of the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, His Excellency, Umo Eno’s decision to join our great Party.”
They expressed confidence that Eno’s decision to join the APC would lead to greater progress of Akwa Ibom state and its people.
“Our great party assures the Governor of its fullest cooperation and accommodation in the APC family, as we continue to grow the Party and work together towards the full realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the good and benefit of all Nigerians,” the statement further read.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
