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Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom State Governor |
Umo Eno’s Defection: A Political Shift in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria
Governor Umo Eno’s defection from
the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All
Progressives Congress (APC) has stirred significant political
discussions in Akwa Ibom and across Nigeria. The announcement, made on June 6, 2025, in Uyo,
marked a major shift in the state’s political alignment and raised
questions about the implications for both regional and national politics.
Impact on Akwa Ibom Politics
Eno’s
defection has reshaped Akwa Ibom’s political
landscape, bringing both enthusiasm and controversy. While some see
it as a strategic move to align with the federal
government, others view it as a betrayal
of PDP’s stronghold in the state. His
defection has led to divisions within the PDP, prompting the resignation of key appointees like Dr. Ini Emeobong, who chose to remain loyal to
PDP.
Meanwhile, the APC has warmly welcomed Eno, with several governors attending his official defection event. Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the move as a sign that APC is gaining ground in the South-South region, an area historically dominated by the PDP.