Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno Orders Cabinet to Defect to APC or Resign

Uyo, Akwa Ibom – Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reportedly directed all commissioners and political appointees in his cabinet to officially defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or face immediate resignation. The directive, issued during a State Executive Council meeting on Thursday, confirms long-standing speculations about the governor’s planned political realignment.

Sources present at the closed-door meeting, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that Governor Eno made his intentions unequivocally clear. “It’s no longer a secret. The governor told us plainly that he’s moving to the APC and expects every appointee to either follow him or step down,” one source stated. “He made it clear that there would be no negotiations or compromises.”

Governor Eno reportedly declared, “Anybody who claims he is not aware of my intention to leave the PDP is still living in the 18th century.” He further emphasized his unwavering control over the state’s political landscape, asserting, “Apart from elected officials like House of Assembly members and Local Government Chairmen, I have nothing to negotiate with you.” In a stern warning to potential dissenters, he added, “Let me tell you, anybody who believes that when I leave the PDP he will use the party structure to fight me is lying, because I will still control the PDP structure.”

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The governor’s decision to align with the APC is said to be influenced by his admiration for President Bola Tinubu’s leadership style and a desire to foster closer working relationships with the Federal Government. This move is consistent with previous indications from the governor, who had recently likened the PDP to a “faulty aircraft” and openly supported President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The Director of the APC Media Network in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Iniobong John, confirmed the development, stating, “It’s no longer a rumour. The governor is defecting to the APC. While no official date has been announced, all plans have been perfected.” He described the move as a “huge win for the APC in Akwa Ibom and a sign that the state is ready to align with the national leadership.”

This development is likely to trigger significant political shifts within Akwa Ibom State, a traditional stronghold of the PDP since 1999. The directive places political appointees in a difficult position, forcing them to choose between party loyalty and their positions within the state government. It also adds to a growing trend of governors defecting from opposition parties to the ruling APC, often citing a need for improved synergy with the federal government to drive development.