Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has reportedly directed all commissioners and political appointees to either join him in defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resign their positions.
According to sources at the ongoing State Executive Council meeting in Uyo on Thursday, the governor made it clear that his decision to leave the PDP is final and well-known.
“Anyone who claims not to be aware of my intention to leave the PDP is still living in the 18th century,” Eno reportedly said.
He expressed admiration for President Bola Tinubu and said he was eager to align politically with the president. Eno warned his appointees that he would not entertain negotiations over the matter, urging them to either follow his lead or step aside.
“Apart from elected officials like members of the House of Assembly and local government chairmen, I have nothing to negotiate with you,” he was quoted as saying. “Anyone who thinks they can remain in the PDP and use its structure against me is mistaken — I still control the party’s machinery.”
Multiple sources suggest that Governor Eno is expected to formally announce his defection on June 6, a move that would end over 25 years of uninterrupted PDP rule in Akwa Ibom State.
