Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), aligning his administration with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reform agenda.

Speaking at a press conference in Uyo on Friday, Governor Eno announced:

“Having completed the rounds of my consultations as your servant, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

He emphasized that his decision comes from a position of strength, not weakness, and is strategically aimed at securing increased federal presence and development opportunities for Akwa Ibom.

“We are not joining the APC from a position of weakness; we are joining the APC from a position of strength,” he added.

The defection follows weeks of speculation, sparked by the governor’s public endorsement of President Tinubu during a federal highway project launch in April. Governor Eno reportedly advised his commissioners and political aides two weeks ago to either join him in the APC or resign.

In a speech titled “Progressive Movement from PDP to APC,” Eno framed the move as a strategic alignment with the centre to attract more infrastructure and economic projects to the state. He hailed President Tinubu’s reforms—particularly the removal of petrol subsidies—as bold, necessary steps already yielding results.

“Political parties are vehicles to run for elections. Governance should be done without rigid attachment to political labels,” Eno said, reaffirming his commitment to inclusive, bipartisan leadership.

The governor also pledged continued service to the people of Akwa Ibom, assuring that his core values and governance agenda will remain unchanged under the new political platform.

Governor Eno acknowledged support from President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Progressive Governors’ Forum, describing his defection on Sallah day as “divine timing.”

Eno’s move follows the recent defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, marking a growing trend of opposition governors aligning with the ruling party.

Governor Umo Eno, elected in March 2023 and sworn in on May 29, hails from Nsit Ubium Local Government Area. A former banker, entrepreneur, and founder of All Nations Christian Ministry International, he previously served as Akwa Ibom’s Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources.