I Can’t Profess Love and Loyalty to Tinubu Without Joining APC – Gov Umo Eno on Defection

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring his full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The announcement was made on Friday, June 6, at the Akwa Ibom Government House, putting an end to months of speculation surrounding the governor’s political allegiance.

Speaking during the declaration, Governor Eno described it as contradictory and politically improper to profess loyalty to the president without joining his party. Emphasizing the need for consistency, he said his decision to move to the APC followed wide consultations across the state and was driven by a commitment to align Akwa Ibom with the centre for greater development.

“This is a defining moment for me. Having consulted critical stakeholders across Akwa Ibom, I make bold to say that I’ve changed my political affiliation, but my values remain intact. I am joining APC not from a position of weakness, but of strength. We are bringing value to the party and supporting President Tinubu fully,” he stated.

Governor Eno praised the PDP for the platform it provided throughout his political journey but stressed that political parties are merely vehicles, while the interest of Akwa Ibom and its people must come first. He assured citizens that his administration would continue to be inclusive, regardless of party lines, and called on all APC members and Akwa Ibomites to unite for the progress of the state.

“I cannot continue to support the president from a distance. I am not one to speak from both sides of my mouth. People who know me understand that I go all out for what I believe in. Visiting the president at night and acting differently by day would be hypocritical. I am joining the president’s train fully, to support him without being accused of anti-party activities,” he said.

The governor also demanded unwavering loyalty from his appointees, describing them as the “first eleven” of his administration. He noted that his decision had already received backing from President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other APC leaders, assuring that Akwa Ibom would benefit immensely from this political alignment.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Senate President, Mrs. Ekaete Unoma Akpabio praised Governor Eno for his boldness, encouraging him to brace for criticism and stay focused. “They will malign and abuse you, but fear no one. With the president and the Senate president behind you, you shall not be deterred. This decision is not about personal gain but for the benefit of Akwa Ibom people,” she said.

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who led a delegation of nine APC governors to the event, welcomed Eno to the party. He commended the move as a strategic alignment with the new trajectory of national development under President Tinubu.

“We now have a president who is not learning on the job. Others had learner’s permits; this one has a driver’s licence and is driving us well,” Uzodinma remarked.

Among the high-profile APC stakeholders present were governors from Edo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Cross River, Ebonyi, Lagos, Delta, and Imo States, underscoring the significance of Governor Eno’s defection to the party.