Governor Umo Eno Orders Appointees To Join APC Or Resign Ahead Of Planned Defection

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has reportedly finalized plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming days.

According to a Government House source, the governor informed members of the State Executive Council during a Thursday meeting that he would soon align with the APC and directed his commissioners and other political appointees to either join him or resign if they disagreed.

“Anybody who claims he is not aware of my intention to leave the PDP is still living in the 18th century,” the governor was quoted as saying. “Apart from elected officials like House of Assembly members and Local Government Chairmen, I have nothing to negotiate with you.”

Governor Eno reportedly warned against any attempt by appointees to remain in the PDP and challenge his authority, declaring that he would still control the PDP structure even after his defection.

He said his admiration for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership style had influenced his decision to join the APC.

While the PDP state chairman, Aniekan Akpan, could not be reached for comment, the Director of the APC Media Network in Akwa Ibom, Iniobong John, confirmed the defection plans.

“It is no longer a rumour. Though unofficial, I can confirm that the governor is joining our party sooner or later,” John said. “All plans have been perfected. It’s great news for the APC and for Akwa Ibom, as it brings the state closer to the national power center.”