 for the All Progressives Congress (APC).){kind=link}
A political storm is brewing in Akwa Ibom State following Governor Umo Eno’s public declaration of his intention to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement, made during a town hall meeting in Ikot Abasi on Wednesday, drew loud resistance from residents, many of whom firmly rejected the idea.
Addressing constituents of the Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency at the Town Square Meeting, Governor Eno revealed that after wide consultations, he had resolved that the state must now align with the ruling party at the federal level.
“We’re progressively moving forward, linking Akwa Ibom to the center. And I know you’re going with us. Are you going with us so we can connect to the center?” the governor asked.
However, his question was met with an overwhelming shout of “No!” from the audience, drowning out the scattered “Yes” responses and signaling clear disapproval from the majority present.
Undeterred, Governor Eno continued to argue for the move, insisting that joining the APC would ensure Akwa Ibom is not left out of national development.
He urged the people to back the current federal leadership, including President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We’ve consulted extensively, and the time to act is now. We must go where God is leading us,” he said.
“Do not be afraid. Believe in us. Believe in President Bola Tinubu. The future is bright. Akwa Ibom is already a minority state in the country. If we allow further division, we risk becoming the minority of minorities.”
The governor also stressed the need for unity, regardless of political affiliations, and declared his support for Tinubu, Akpabio, and his own re-election in 2027.