Akwa Ibom Councilors Reject Governor Umo Eno’s Planned Defection to APC

As Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State prepares to switch allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), elected local government councilors in the state have made it clear they will not follow him. The councilors say they were neither consulted nor respected during the unfolding political transition, viewing the governor’s actions as a slight against their grassroots influence.

A senior member of the Forum of Elected Councilors, speaking anonymously, told reporters that the governor’s failure to engage with them on the defection issue felt like a humiliation.

“Nobody has talked to us about defection, so we are not defecting anywhere. Elections are won at the grassroots units, not in the government house. If the governor does not consult us, we will remain in the PDP,” the official asserted.

While the governor has reportedly consulted national and state legislators, local government chairmen, and other influential political actors, the councilors say they were deliberately sidelined despite their critical role at the ward level.

The forum member warned that without proper dialogue and negotiation, the councilors will not join what they described as a “blind bandwagon.”

“Some of us have strong chances for a second term under the PDP due to zoning arrangements. Switching parties now risks everything, especially joining a party already structured around other interests. What will we tell our wards and supporters?” he questioned.

The councilors emphasized that their electoral influence is crucial, insisting that no political stakeholder can win ward-level contests without their support. “The key figures the governor consulted cannot win in our wards without us,” the councilor added.

Responding to the councilors’ stance, a serving state government commissioner, speaking on condition of anonymity, dismissed their concerns. The commissioner argued that the governor had already consulted and secured the support of the local government chairmen, which he claimed was sufficient.

“Most of these councilors didn’t even win their wards on their own merits. The governor has been clear that defection is voluntary; no one is being forced,” the commissioner stated.

Governor Umo Eno, who was elected under the PDP in 2023, has yet to officially announce his defection. However, rising speculation and internal tensions within the PDP have sparked concerns over a potential major political realignment in Akwa Ibom.

The standoff between the governor and his councilors adds complexity to what could be one of the most significant political shifts in the state since 1999.