The political landscape in Akwa Ibom is shifting rapidly as Governor Umo Eno prepares to officially defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) at 12 noon today, sparking division among PDP stakeholders in the state.

 

Already in Uyo to welcome the governor into the ruling party are the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as well as the Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu. Other APC governors and top chieftains from across the country are expected to attend the defection ceremony, which is scheduled to take place at the Banquet Hall of the Government House.

 

Although the defection was initially planned to be a major political event, it has reportedly been scaled down due to the ongoing Sallah holiday.

 

Security has been visibly heightened around the Government House, with heavy deployment of personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure order.

 

Despite the planned ceremony, the move has not gone down well with all members of the PDP in the state. Several prominent stakeholders have expressed disapproval, most notably former National Legal Adviser of the PDP, Mr. Emmanuel Enoidem.

 

Enoidem, a key ally during Eno’s 2023 gubernatorial campaign, has indicated that the PDP remains committed to fielding candidates for the 2027 general elections, suggesting that the governor’s defection may not sway the party’s broader political agenda.

 

According to the schedule obtained by our correspondent in Uyo, Governor Eno is expected to address a select group of journalists at 2 p.m., following his formal defection.