Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno Orders Appointees to Join Him in APC or Resign: “Your Loyalty Is to Me”
In a politically charged decision that is sending shockwaves across Nigeria's political landscape, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has issued a stern directive to all members of his State Executive Council (Exco) and political appointees: either defect with him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resign from their positions immediately.
The directive, which came during a State Executive Council meeting on Thursday, May 23, 2025, underscores the deepening political realignment in the South-South state. Governor Eno’s unexpected move away from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC marks a significant turn in the state’s political trajectory, especially given that the PDP has historically maintained a strong grip on Akwa Ibom politics since Nigeria's return to democracy in 1999.
“It’s No More News That I’m Moving Party” — Umo Eno Declares
Addressing his commissioners and appointees in what many are calling a decisive moment, Governor Umo Eno did not mince words. He made it clear that his loyalty now lies with the APC and that he expects those in his government to follow suit if they wish to continue serving under his administration.
“It’s no more news that I’m moving party, if you don’t know that by now, I don’t know what else you know,” Governor Eno declared.
According to sources present at the meeting, the atmosphere was tense as the governor laid out his expectations. While he acknowledged that his appointees had the freedom to choose their political affiliations, he was unambiguous about the consequences of staying in a different party.
“So, we want our commissioners and members of Excos, appointees; I am told that some of you are saying that you will not come, you are free, absolutely free not to join me, but you won’t be in my state executive council,” he said.
This statement sends a clear message: political loyalty is not optional for those who serve in the governor’s inner circle. In the words of Governor Eno:
“So, you better just be prepared to resign the day I announce that I’m moving because you are an appointee and your loyalty is to me. You can’t be in my cabinet and play anti-party, it’s not a threat, it is what it is. I won’t beg you to come, you should normally not even expect it.”
A Political Earthquake in Akwa Ibom State
Governor Umo Eno’s decision to abandon the PDP for the APC is nothing short of a political earthquake in Akwa Ibom State. Historically, the state has been a PDP stronghold, producing prominent national figures within the party. However, Eno’s comments suggest that internal turmoil within the PDP at the national level has made it difficult for him to remain aligned with the party.
“I love the PDP, I want to stay in the PDP but clearly, I don’t have a road map to guarantee that I’ll be able to have a smooth sail in the elections, not because we won’t win elections,” the governor explained.
He went further to highlight that the performance of his administration gives him confidence that he can win re-election or support his preferred candidates, even without the PDP’s backing.
“In this state today, with the work that all of us have done, even if we contest on a zero party, we will win this election. There’s no doubt about it. We’ve worked very hard, but we know that at the national level that our party is not coming together.”
This statement reflects the governor’s confidence in his achievements since assuming office and the deep cracks within the PDP’s national structure.
The PDP Crisis and the Road to APC
Governor Eno did not hold back in his criticism of the PDP’s internal chaos. According to him, the party’s lack of cohesion and legal consistency at the national level is a major risk for candidates seeking office under its platform.
He illustrated a common scenario where a candidate may go through all the motions of an election, win, and still lose everything on a technicality, simply because the wrong party official signed their nomination form.
“Every day, secretary this and that, and so you take your form, they send it to INEC, and then you run all the elections, you perhaps win the elections and just on technical ground, because the wrong person signed your form, you lose everything.”
This damning observation points to the legal vulnerability of PDP candidates, which has already caused electoral losses in several states in the past due to internal party wrangling and procedural errors. For Governor Eno, this uncertainty is simply not a risk he is willing to take.
Loyalty, Governance, and the Politics of Defection
The issue of loyalty was central to the governor’s message. While Nigeria’s constitution does not mandate that appointees must belong to the same party as the governor, the reality of political practice in Nigeria often reflects a different standard. In many states, cabinet positions are tied to political alignment, and any dissent is seen as insubordination or even sabotage.
In this case, Governor Umo Eno is drawing a clear line in the sand. If you are not with him, you are against him—and you must step aside.
This strategy also serves to consolidate his power within the new party, the APC, by ensuring that only those loyal to him will speak for his government and carry out his policies.
What This Means for Akwa Ibom Politics
Governor Eno’s defection to the APC is likely to trigger a realignment of political forces in Akwa Ibom State. Many appointees who owe their positions to the governor will likely follow him, either out of loyalty or political survival. However, some PDP loyalists may resign or be forced out, potentially leading to political tension or legal battles in the months ahead.
The governor’s move may also affect the PDP’s prospects in the 2027 elections. If Eno’s defection weakens the PDP structure in Akwa Ibom, the APC could capitalize on the chaos to gain a stronger foothold in the state.
Reactions from the Public and Political Observers
So far, public reaction has been mixed. Some Akwa Ibom residents believe the governor is doing what is necessary to protect the state’s political future and avoid national-level PDP failures affecting local governance. Others, however, see the move as opportunistic and fear it could deepen political division in the state.
Political analysts also point out that Eno’s decision may be influenced by federal alignment. As President Bola Tinubu’s APC continues to assert influence across the country, governors and key political figures in opposition parties may feel pressure to align with the ruling party in order to secure federal projects, appointments, or election safety.
Conclusion: Governor Umo Eno Has Made His Choice—Will His Team Follow?
As the dust settles in Akwa Ibom State, one thing is clear: Governor Umo Eno is moving forward without hesitation. His announcement is not just about personal political survival—it is a clear message to all appointees and political players in the state: you are either on board or you’re out.
The coming weeks will reveal how many commissioners, special advisers, and other appointees are ready to walk with the governor into the APC—and how many will choose loyalty to the PDP over their positions.
For now, one question remains on the minds of many Akwa Ibomites: Is this the beginning of a political revolution in the state, or the beginning of a storm?
