***You Have A Choice, either join me or resign, No room for disloyalty
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has allegedly finalised plans to defect from the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and has reportedly directed his commissioners and other political appointees to either join him or resign.
The long-rumoured move, which had previously circulated on social media without confirmation, was disclosed on Thursday during a closed-door meeting of the State Executive Council, according to a source who was present but spoke on condition of anonymity for lack of authorisation.
“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,” the source said. “He made it clear that there would be no negotiations or compromises.”
In his remarks during the meeting, Eno was said to have rebuffed any notions of internal resistance, warning that he would retain influence over PDP structures in the state even after his exit.
“Anybody who claims not to know about my decision is still living in the 18th century,” the governor reportedly said. “Appointees must choose now—come with me or leave the stage. For elected officials, that’s another matter, but I won’t tolerate disloyalty.”
Governor Eno cited his admiration for President Bola Tinubu’s leadership style as a key reason for the political realignment.
Just last month, he openly declared support for Tinubu’s re-election bid, a move that raised eyebrows within PDP circles.
Although Akwa Ibom State PDP Chairman, Aniekan Akpan, could not be reached for comment as of press time, Director of the APC Media Network in the state, Mr. Iniobong John, confirmed the development.
“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,” John told DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS. “It’s a huge win for the APC in Akwa Ibom and a sign that the state is ready to align with the national leadership.”
Eno is believed to have the backing of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a prominent APC figure, who recently endorsed him for a second term despite his current affiliation with the PDP.
