A significant shift in Akwa Ibom State’s political landscape was marked on Friday, June 5, 2025, as Governor Pastor Umo Eno, accompanied by a majority of his Executive Council members, lawmakers from the State House of Assembly and National Assembly, as well as local government chairpersons, officially moved from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The event took place at the Banquet Hall in Uyo, where the officials publicly declared their allegiance to the new party platform.

Governor Eno addressed the gathering, reflecting on the nature of change and values, referencing the words of the Dalai Lama. “Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values,” he quoted, emphasising that while his political affiliation was changing, his core principles remained intact. He explained the reasons behind his decision, citing strategic considerations for the state’s interest.

“For some time now, the political space, particularly in this State and the Nation in general, have been awash with the news of my likely movement from the PDP, the platform that had provided the levers and ladder of my political ascendancy to the position of Governor of this State,” he said. “Earlier this morning, I submitted my formal Letter of Resignation from the PDP to my Ward Chairman, same copy was sent to both the State Chairman as well as the National Chairman. I have therefore decided to progressively move to the All Progressive Congress, the APC.”

Governor Eno clarified that despite the change in party, his moral fibre and foundational principles would remain “unchanged and sacrosanct.” He highlighted the practical motivations for his move, stressing the need to align with the federal government to attract more resources and development to Akwa Ibom. “Why am I in the APC, you may ask? The answer is short and simple: Enlightened State Interest predicated on the need to align our State with the Centre to attract more Federal presence.”

He assured citizens of continued inclusive governance. “I pledge to you again, my dear Akwaibomnites, that I will still run a bipartisan and inclusive governance. Akwa Ibom State, I promise you will be a model of how to work together, pray together, aspire together, dream together and achieve together without the polarising impulses of partisan politics. Political parties remain vehicles for elections. I will continue to ensure that governance is done through the prism of bipartisanship.”

Chief Assam Assam, SAN, the Director-General of Campaigns, described the governor’s move as a turning point in the political history of Akwa Ibom State, signalling unity for sustainable development. The formal presentation of the APC broom was conducted by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, who noted, “What we are witnessing is not a defection—it is a movement. The people of Akwa Ibom are shifting to the progressive fold, and we welcome you warmly as you connect to the centre.”

The APC State Chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, alongside local government chairpersons led by Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, the State Executive Council headed by Secretary to the State Government Prince Enobong Uwah, the State House of Assembly led by Speaker Udeme Otong, and National Assembly members under Senator Ekong Sampson, all expressed their support for Governor Eno’s decision.

A goodwill message on behalf of Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, delivered by his wife, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, commended the governor’s decision, stating, “Your Excellency, you mean well for your people. This decision will strengthen our state’s connection with the national leadership.”
The event drew a broad array of political figures from across Nigeria, including the governors of Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, Ebonyi, Delta, Edo, and Cross River States, as well as the Minister of Budget & Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, and the Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Honorable Ekperikpe Ekpo. Their presence underscored the national attention and political realignment underway in Akwa Ibom.

Plans for a large rally to formally welcome Governor Umo Eno and his supporters into the APC are expected to be announced in the coming days.