Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at a press conference on Friday in Uyo, the state capital, Governor Eno said his decision followed a period of consultations.
“Having completed the rounds of my consultations as your servant, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he announced.
He emphasized that his defection was not a sign of weakness.
“We are not joining the APC from a position of weakness. We are joining the APC from a position of strength,” he added.
According to Eno, the move was driven by his desire to fully support the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu.
His defection comes approximately six weeks after Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori also left the PDP for the APC.
Speculation about Eno’s defection first arose in April when he openly endorsed President Tinubu’s re-election bid during the flag-off of a 65-kilometre, three-lane dual carriageway project in Nsit-Antai Local Government Area.
Two weeks ago, Governor Eno reportedly directed his commissioners and other appointees to either follow him to the APC or resign.
Eno was elected governor in March 2023 and sworn in on May 29, 2023. A native of Ikot Ekpene Udo in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, he was born on April 24, 1964, to the family of Mr. Basey Umo Eno, a Chief Superintendent of Police, and Deaconess Eka Umo Eno.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Public Administration, as well as a Master’s degree in Public Administration, both from the University of Uyo.
Before entering politics, Eno worked in the banking sector and later became a successful entrepreneur in the hospitality industry. He also served as the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources in Akwa Ibom State and is the founder of All Nations Christian Ministry International.
