Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made on Friday during a press briefing at the Government House in Uyo, the state capital.
Eno said the decision to switch parties followed three months of consultations with key stakeholders across the state. He expressed appreciation to the PDP for the support extended to him during his time in the party but noted that it was time to make what he described as a “progressive move.”
According to the governor, his defection was motivated by his admiration for President Bola Tinubu and the desire to align Akwa Ibom State with the federal government in order to secure continued developmental benefits.
“After completing the rounds of my consultation as your servant whom you have elected to serve, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the APC,” Eno stated.
“We are joining the APC today in the state’s interest and because of our critical admiration and respect for President Tinubu and to provide the needed support for Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.”
He added that the move was not from a position of weakness but of strength, and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Akwa Ibom irrespective of party affiliations.
The event was attended by several APC governors, including the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos); Governor Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta); Governor Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi); Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo); and Governor Bassey Otu (Cross River), among others.
