By Divine Sam
Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, on Friday, 6 June 2025, formally announced his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his entry into the All Progressives Congress (APC) during a brief ceremony at Government House, Uyo.
At a town-hall meeting in Ikot Abasi a day earlier, the governor had signalled the move, telling supporters that “it is time to move” so the state can align with the party at the centre and “unlock federal leverage” for ongoing projects.
Friday’s declaration drew a delegation of APC heavyweights: Progressive Governors’ Forum chair Hope Uzodimma (Imo) led Bassey Otu (Cross River), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Monday Okpebholo (Edo) and Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi) to Uyo to welcome their newest colleague.
Eno said the decision followed “three months of listening tours and consultations” across Akwa Ibom’s 31 local government areas and pledged to remain “governor for all Akwa Ibomites, regardless of party colours.”
The APC leadership promptly assured him of its “fullest cooperation and accommodation” as he integrates into the ruling party’s structures.
The fallout was swift: Special Duties Commissioner Ini Ememobong resigned, saying he would not follow the governor to the APC, and further cabinet shake-ups are expected.
Eno, elected in 2023, becomes the first sitting South-South governor to cross to the APC since President Bola Tinubu took office, a move analysts say could recalibrate the 2027 electoral map in the oil-rich region.
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