Governor Eno’s Defection Bolsters Tinubu’s Political Momentum Across States

Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno Defects to APC, Triggers Political Earthquake

Major Political Realignment in Nigeria

The political landscape in Nigeria has taken another significant turn as Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, formally declared his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His move has set off a ripple effect that many believe could soon draw more PDP governors into the orbit of the ruling party. This is not just a matter of shifting allegiances; it reflects the evolving strategies of politicians looking to align with federal power in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.

Strengthening APC’s Grip on Power

Eno’s defection, officially announced in a televised event witnessed by President Bola Tinubu, has made him the second PDP governor from the South-South region to join the APC in less than two months. His move follows that of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori. With these moves, the APC now controls 23 states, while the PDP is left with 10. One state each is governed by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

More Governors Under Watch for Potential Defections

As the political equation continues to shift, attention is now focused on a few other governors whose movements are under scrutiny. Among them are Adamawa’s Ahmadu Fintiri, Enugu’s Peter Mbah, Plateau’s Caleb Mutfwang, and suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Though still publicly aligned with the PDP, their recent actions suggest quiet political recalculations.

Governor Fintiri’s Quiet Maneuvering

Governor Fintiri’s recent meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, raised eyebrows. This comes amid his estrangement from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Atiku’s recent hosting of Fintiri’s rival, Aishatu Dahiru Binani, added fuel to the rumors of Fintiri’s possible defection, revealing significant political friction at the top.

Peter Mbah’s Loyalty Questioned in Enugu

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu has been surrounded by persistent rumors of defection. Though the local PDP chapter continues to deny such claims, their simultaneous distance from the governor signals a complex political dance. The situation closely mirrors the pre-defection environment observed in Delta State before Oborevwori switched camps.

Rivers State: Crisis and Defection Speculations

Suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s status adds another layer of complexity. His March 2025 suspension, along with his deputy and state lawmakers, followed a federal emergency declaration. His private meetings with President Tinubu, first in the UK and then in Lagos, and his public praise for Tinubu’s “legendary move” to stabilize Rivers State, suggest that backdoor negotiations are underway.

Adeleke’s Surprise Visit to Tinubu Raises Eyebrows

Even in Osun State, political watchers were surprised when PDP Governor Ademola Adeleke paid an unannounced visit to President Tinubu in Lagos. While no defection has been confirmed, the visit intensified partisan speculation and online debates between APC and PDP supporters.

Tinubu Welcomes the Winds of Defection

President Tinubu has publicly welcomed the ongoing defections, describing them as a reflection of democratic freedoms. At the APC National Summit on May 22, he emphasized that political migration is a legitimate expression of choice within a constitutional democracy. Rejecting the notion of a one-party state, he said, “Freedom of movement and association are not criminal. Welcome to the progressives. Sweep them clean.”

Umo Eno’s Symbolic Ceremony in Uyo

The spotlight now shines squarely on Governor Umo Eno. His defection ceremony, held in Uyo and broadcast nationwide, was more than a personal decision. It was a symbolic demonstration of the APC’s rising momentum. Though Senate President Godswill Akpabio was absent, his wife, Unoma Akpabio, stood in for him.

Massive Support from APC Leadership

The Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Imo Governor, Hope Uzodimma, led eight governors to Uyo in a show of force. Notable attendees included Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), and Oborevwori (Delta). Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and National Planning, also attended alongside state APC chairmen and lawmakers.

Lawmakers and Political Appointees Follow Eno’s Lead

Saturday reports confirmed that nearly all former PDP lawmakers in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly joined Eno in defecting to the APC. The state’s National Assembly caucus also realigned. However, Commissioner for Information and Special Duties, Ini Ememobong, resigned in protest. He cited ideological differences and stated he could not reconcile with the APC’s principles.

Signals of Defection Were Already in Motion

Eno’s political shift was long foreshadowed. On April 30, 2025, he hinted during a town hall meeting that the PDP was like a faulty aircraft, and passengers needed to switch flights. On May 23, he demanded that all political appointees either follow him into the APC or resign.

Declaring From a Position of Strength

During his official declaration, Eno framed his move as one made from a position of strength. He emphasized that it was the result of statewide consultations and aimed at connecting Akwa Ibom to the federal center of power. He thanked President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, and other APC leaders for their support.

Open Loyalty Over Secret Allegiances

Eno emphasized transparency in his political shift. “I can’t be visiting the President at night and be saying something else during the day,” he stated. He urged Akwa Ibom citizens to join him in rebuilding the APC and pledged inclusive governance regardless of party lines.

Akpabio’s Camp Praises Bold Move

Representing her husband, Unoma Akpabio applauded Eno’s courage and warned that criticism would follow. She compared it to Akpabio’s own defection in 2019, which attracted backlash but paid off politically. “You have a lion in Mr. President and another in Mr. Senate President. You need fear no one,” she said.

Governor Uzodimma Adds His Voice

Governor Uzodimma also lauded the defection, describing President Tinubu as a leader who didn’t assume office with a “learner’s permit,” but with a “driver’s license.” He argued that Tinubu was steering Nigeria onto a development-focused path.

APC Membership Registration and House Visits

Following his declaration, Eno registered as an APC member at Obotim Ward in Nsit Ubium LGA. He then visited Senate President Akpabio’s residence in Uyo. The visit was marked by a warm reception and photographs of camaraderie among APC leaders, symbolizing party unity.

APC Welcomes Eno into Its Fold

The APC, through its National Working Committee, welcomed Governor Eno with open arms. National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka described the defection as a major boost to the APC’s national profile and a win for the people of Akwa Ibom.

Ememobong’s Resignation: A Voice of Conscience

While others followed Eno, Commissioner Ini Ememobong stood his ground. In a heartfelt Facebook post, he thanked Eno and former Governor Udom Emmanuel for their mentorship but stressed he couldn’t compromise his beliefs. He accepted the political consequences with grace.

PDP Maintains Silence—For Now

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has chosen to remain noticeably silent following Governor Umo Eno’s high-profile defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). While the political shift has generated widespread reactions nationwide, the state chapter of the PDP has refrained from issuing any detailed statement. State Chairman Elder Aniekan Akpan only offered a brief comment, stating that the party would respond “in due course.”

This silence, though understated, reveals much more than words. It suggests a state of internal uncertainty, with party leaders likely still assessing the full impact of the governor’s exit. Eno’s defection has not only shifted political power but may have triggered unease among remaining party members, some of whom could be contemplating their next move.

The lack of immediate reaction also points to potential divisions within the party’s structure, as leaders may be struggling to form a united front. With several lawmakers and local leaders already following Eno into the APC, the PDP’s hesitation could signal deeper fractures ahead. As the political dust settles, observers are watching closely to see whether the PDP will regroup or face further destabilization in Akwa Ibom and beyond.