Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has strongly indicated his intention to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that "it is time to move" and align the state with the ruling party at the federal level.

Speaking at a town hall meeting in Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency on Wednesday, Governor Eno revealed that his decision follows extensive consultations across the state.

Connecting to the Center

"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 attendees at the meeting.

The governor emphasized the importance of this potential political shift, saying: "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."

He urged residents not to fear the change, encouraging them to "believe in us" and "believe in President Bola Tinubu because the future is bright."

Concerns About Minority Status

Governor Eno expressed concerns about Akwa Ibom's position as a minority state, suggesting that remaining in opposition could further marginalize the state.

"We are already a minority state in Nigeria. If we come again and start breaking ourselves into pieces, we become the minority of the minorities and cannot get anything," he stated.

This is not the first time the governor has hinted at switching political allegiance. In April, he reportedly suggested that the PDP no longer had the capacity to take him to "the next destination."

Praise for President Tinubu

Governor Eno has consistently spoken highly of President Bola Tinubu, even suggesting that the president will remain in power until 2031, indicating his belief in Tinubu securing a second term.

The potential defection would represent a significant political shift in Akwa Ibom, a state traditionally considered a PDP stronghold in Nigeria's South-South region.

Political observers are closely watching how this development might affect the balance of power in the state and potentially influence other PDP governors' relationships with the federal government.