On Friday, 6th June 2025, Governor Umo Eno announced that he has left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). This move has caused serious discussions across Akwa Ibom State.
Governor Umo Eno, who won the governorship seat under the PDP in 2023, said he was joining the APC to connect Akwa Ibom State to the APC-led Federal Government. But many people in the state are not happy about this decision.
My Survey Shows Mixed Reactions…
In the last 24 hours, I conducted a quick survey. The result shows that 60% of the people are not in support of the Governor’s defection. Only 30% support the move. Those in support are mostly political appointees, beneficiaries and those who understand the Governor’s reasons. Some also believe the move will help Senator Godswill Akpabio remain as Senate President since he is from Akwa Ibom and a key APC leader.
The remaining 10% are not interested in the political process. Some say “Its the same people” and so refused to stand for or against the move.
Why the People Are Angry…
Many Akwa Ibom people are angry because they feel the APC government at the national level has made life harder for Nigerians. They blame the current hardship in the country on the APC and see Pastor Umo Eno’s move as “eating with their oppressors.”
Also, the PDP has ruled Akwa Ibom since 1999. Most people are used to the party and trust it. They fear that moving to APC might bring confusion and disturb the peace and stability that the state is known for.
Some people also worry that the Governor will no longer enjoy the smooth party leadership he had in PDP. In APC, there are already strong leaders and existing structures. This may cause power struggles, especially since Senator Akpabio is expected to play a major role in the party’s affairs in the state.
What History Tells Us…
Even though many people are not happy, history shows that Pastor Umo Eno is used to difficult situations. In 2022, before the elections, he faced tough opposition. But when he became Governor in 2023, he worked hard to win the people’s trust.
Now that he has joined APC, he must again work hard to show the people that he is still focused on good governance. He needs to bring people-friendly policies and projects that will continue the peace and progress Akwa Ibom has enjoyed. If he succeeds, his second term may still be as straightforward and easy, maybe the easiest in the history of Akwa Ibom State.
This is the plain truth. For now, we wait and watch how things unfold.
About the Author:
Nsikakabasi Akpan is a graduate of Political Science and Public Administration. He writes from Ididep in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area
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