Tinubu, Akpabio Storm Uyo as Governor Umo Eno Joins APC Defection Sparks Realignments and Rumbles in Akwa Ibom Politics
President Bola Tinubu is expected in Uyo today to lead a high-powered delegation of All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders to a grand rally welcoming Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State into the ruling party. Also expected at the event are Senate President Godswill Akpabio, APC governors, National Assembly members, and top party officials.
The event, to be held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, marks a political turning point for the state and signals a strategic shift ahead of the 2027 general elections. Eno’s recent defection from the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has already redefined the balance of political power in Akwa Ibom.
A Political Earthquake in the South-South
Governor Eno’s cross-party move, announced earlier this month, has shaken the PDP’s foundation in the state. Since his defection, at least two PDP senators, several members of the House of Representatives, and local government chairmen have followed suit, prompting debate and speculation about the internal stability of both parties.
Former Minister and elder statesman, Chief Nduese Essien, had alleged that Eno coerced elected officials and party members into joining him. But the claim was promptly refuted by key defectors.
“The governor did not coerce anyone that I know,” said Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North East. “I made a personal political decision.”
Senator Ekong Sampson of Akwa Ibom South echoed the sentiment, describing political realignment as an exercise of personal freedom rather than pressure.
Still, in a political climate where governors wield extensive influence controlling state resources, appointments, contracts, and electoral machinery many argue that defection often feels inevitable for those in their orbit.
“Why remain in the opposition when the leader of your party structure has moved?” asked one party insider.
Struggles Within APC: New Faces, Old Frictions
While Eno’s entry has bolstered the APC’s position in the state, it has also ignited internal wrangling. Victor Antai, a former NDDC executive and APC’s deputy governorship candidate in 2023, has been declared leader of the party in his senatorial district a move that raised eyebrows, particularly among party stalwarts like former NDDC MD Nsima Ekere and serving Senator Ekong Sampson.
Antai is widely believed to be positioning himself to run alongside Governor Eno in 2027, potentially as his deputy.
There are similar tussles for political control in local government areas and wards, fueling concerns about the APC’s ability to absorb its newfound political weight without internal ruptures.
“Will the party implode under pressure,” one observer asked, “or has it been restructured to manage its expanding influence?”
Where Is Former Governor Udom Emmanuel?
One of the notable absences from the unfolding drama is former Governor Udom Emmanuel, who groomed Eno for the governorship but chose not to follow him into APC. His decision contrasts sharply with that of former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who defected to APC with his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori.
Udom, a former banker, has reportedly retired from partisan politics to focus on private business in Lagos. He has also publicly rejected mounting pressure to contest for the Senate in 2027, signaling a retreat from political life.
Despite their political divergence, insiders maintain that the relationship between Emmanuel and Eno remains intact.
“The governor has high regard for his predecessor and expresses it publicly,” Senator Sampson confirmed.
What Next for Akwa Ibom?
The defection rally is expected to mark the beginning of a new chapter in Akwa Ibom’s political journey. But questions remain about the implications of this shift: How will the APC manage competing interests among its old and new members? Will the PDP recover its footing or lose more ground?
More importantly, how will this realignment affect governance, policy continuity, and service delivery for the people of Akwa Ibom?
As the dust settles from the celebratory rally, attention will quickly turn back to the pressing business of governance and the road to 2027.
Side Note: What This Means Nationally
Governor Eno’s defection may seem like a state issue, but it has national ripple effects. The APC gains firmer ground in the South-South, long considered a PDP stronghold, while the PDP faces a credibility crisis among its ranks.
For the ruling party, however, the challenge is clear: consolidating gains without cracking under the weight of its growing coalition.
Reference
Tinubu, Akpabio Storm Uyo as Governor Umo Eno Joins APC Defection Sparks Realignments and Rumbles in Akwa Ibom Politics