Governor
Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has reportedly delayed his planned defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to the lack of approval from his predecessor and political mentor, Udom Emmanuel.
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According to a report by All Facts News, Eno had signaled his intent to leave the PDP and instructed his commissioners and political appointees to either follow him to the APC or resign their positions. However, a political source who spoke to the Daily Sun revealed that Eno is buying time, as Udom Emmanuel still firmly controls the PDP structure in the state.
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"The only reason Akwa Ibom governor has not been able to move to the APC is because his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, has not given his approval," the source stated.
"If Eno leaves today without Udom's consent, not a single member of the National and State Assembly will go with him. That is why he is buying time.ÔÇØ
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The source added that the APC's broader political strategy is to weaken opposition states with strong financial and political resources ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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"APC is trying to muzzle all the viable opposition states such that by the time election comes, no state would be able to fund any opposition presidential candidate. In Akwa Ibom, the only obstacle is Udom Emmanuel, but it is left to be seen how long he can withstand the pressure,ÔÇØ the source claimed.
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Delta State, the source alleged, has already been "neutralised" politically, and the APC is now focusing its efforts on bringing Akwa Ibom into its fold to further erode the opposition's national strength.
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Governor Eno, a former pastor and entrepreneur, was handpicked by Udom Emmanuel as his successor and won the governorship on the PDP platform in 2023. His rumoured defection could significantly reshape the political landscape in Akwa Ibom and beyond.
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Further developments are awaited as political pressure mounts.
