₦airaland Forum

UYO – In a dramatic turn of events during a town hall meeting in Ikot Abasi, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State announced his intention to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC)—but was met with resounding opposition from the crowd.

Speaking at the Town Square Meeting with the Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency on Wednesday, the governor said he had conducted extensive consultations and was convinced that “it is time to move” in order to align the state with the ruling party at the federal level.

“We’re progressively moving forward, linking Akwa Ibom to the center. And I know you’re going with us. Are you going with us, so we can connect to the center?” Eno asked.


However, in response to the governor’s call, a thunderous “No!” erupted from the audience, overshadowing the handful of “Yes” voices, creating a tense atmosphere in the crowded venue at the Ikot Abasi Local Government Grounds.

Despite the pushback, Governor Eno continued to make the case for defection, citing the need for Akwa Ibom to “belong and be counted” in national politics, and to support President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“We thank you for your support. I’ve gone round to consult… And so we have done enough consultation. The time has come that we will move. And we will go to where God is leading us,” the governor said.

“Do not be afraid. Believe in us. Believe in President Bola Tinubu because the future is bright. We are already a minority state in Nigeria. If we come again and start breaking ourselves into pieces, we become minority of the minorities and cannot get anything.”

He emphasized the importance of unity across party lines and declared that Tinubu, Akpabio, and himself must return to office in 2027.


Governor Eno’s comments mark a significant political shift in Akwa Ibom State and have sparked heated reactions, suggesting the road to realignment may not be as smooth as anticipated.

Ritchiee:
Wey the video?
I won't believe without visuals.

NinjaMetahuman:
governor's defection made atiku win the state in 2023 and Tinubu coming close second.

Streetinvestor2:
The people of Akwaibom will never vote SW president in 2027.i witnessed it last month when I attended a wedding in uyo with the SSG present. The mc said if you know you will see the end of the yr clap for Tinubu and everywhere went dead like grave yard.When the mc realised the f up with SSG presence. He now said clap for God and everywhere was filled with clapping.
The governor feels threatened for second term because he is nobody in akwa ibom politics. He is just someone who has been in his hotel business and past governor used all state money and power to make him governor. His school certificate is fake.They asked for it he went to hire 10 SANs to come defend it..lol

Ofunaofu:
And we will go to where God is leading us,” the governor said.

Streetinvestor2:
The people of Akwaibom will never vote SW president in 2027.i witnessed it last month when I attended a wedding in uyo with the SSG present. The mc said if you know you will see the end of the yr clap for Tinubu and everywhere went dead like grave yard.When the mc realised the f up with SSG presence. He now said clap for God and everywhere was filled with clapping...lol

Federalis:
Never in my life did I think Akwa Ibom will be APC one day.

RollinTNDA:
Spineless Delta state should take note

Agbegbaorogboye:
This baby's attempt to join APC has become a comedy
No one heard anything from Delta
He just jumped ship after doing the groundwork but see our baba here
Everyday he's planning to join but na just cho cho cho

Streetinvestor2:
The people of Akwaibom will never vote SW president in 2027.i witnessed it last month when I attended a wedding in uyo with the SSG present. The mc said if you know you will see the end of the yr clap for Tinubu and everywhere went dead like grave yard.When the mc realised the f up with SSG presence. He now said clap for God and everywhere was filled with clapping.
The governor feels threatened for second term because he is nobody in akwa ibom politics. He is just someone who has been in his hotel business and past governor used all state money and power to make him governor. His school certificate is fake.They asked for it he went to hire 10 SANs to come defend it..lol