Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno Dumps PDP, Joins APC
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has formally announced his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending weeks of speculation about his political future.
Speaking at a press conference in Uyo on Friday, Eno said the move came after “three months of wide consultation” with key political actors and stakeholders across the state.
“For some time now, the political space, particularly in this state and the nation in general, has been awash with the news of my likely movement from the PDP, the platform that has provided the levers and ladder of my political ascendancy to the position of governor of this state,” he said.
“This discussion has elicited various areas of analysis in the process. Today, I am here to answer to some of those nagging questions. Like the Dalai Lama had said, ‘we should always be open to change, but not to let go of our shared values’.”
Governor Eno said he had already tendered his resignation letter at the PDP ward level, with copies forwarded to the state and national leadership of the party.
“Earlier this morning, I submitted a formal letter of resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ward chairman. Same copy has been sent to both the state chairman as well as the national chairman,” he disclosed.
“I want to thank the Peoples Democratic Party for their support, for their love and for working with me this past two years in the affairs of running the state of Akwa Ibom across party lines, but this is a defining moment.”
He emphasized that his defection was not taken lightly but was the result of careful consideration and extensive dialogue with political leaders and party faithful.
“I believe that no one has moved aggressively or has ever changed party in this state that has consulted as widely as I’ve done,” he said.
“I did that because of the respect I have for all of you — as stakeholders in project Akwa Ibom. I did that knowing that each and every one of you needed to be consulted, to be informed.
“I needed your counsel, I needed to explain why I am moving, and at this point, that consultation culminated into my meeting with all the critical stakeholders in the PDP last night in this hall, where I took time to explain to all of you the reason why we must move.”
Governor Eno said the political climate demanded a shift in direction.
“We must be able to interpret the times, and flow with the times, and not run against the tide. Having completed the rounds of my consultation, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the All Progressives Congress.”
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