Governor Umo Eno Joins APC, Three Commissioners Resign in Protest
Governor Umo Eno’s surprise defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday has triggered the resignation of three key cabinet members, exposing fault lines within the Akwa Ibom state government.
At a high-profile ceremony held at the Government House in Uyo, Governor Eno announced that after “three months of wide consultation,” he decided to join the APC. He explained the move as a strategic effort to align the state government with the federal administration to fast-track development.
“We are not joining the APC from a position of weakness but from strength and resolve. It is time for Akwa Ibom to align with the center to secure continued development,” Eno stated, citing his admiration for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership as a driving factor.
However, the governor’s decision was met with immediate backlash within his cabinet. Commissioners for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong; Economic Development, Prof. Eno Ibanga; and Finance, Emem Bob, all tendered their resignations in swift protest.
Insiders reveal that the trio felt blindsided by the defection and viewed it as a betrayal of the shared principles on which the administration was elected.
“This is not just about switching parties. It’s about trust, ideology, and the future direction of our governance,” a source close to the government said.
The defection event was graced by notable APC figures, including the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, alongside Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Bassey Otu (Cross River), underscoring the political significance of the move.
