Stakeholders of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State are reportedly divided as Governor Umo Eno prepares to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday.
According to reliable sources, the Chairman of the APC Governors' Forum, Hope Uzodinma, and Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu have already arrived in Uyo to formally receive Governor Eno into the ruling party.
Planned Defection Details
The defection ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Government House banquet hall at 12 noon. While initially planned as a major event, the ceremony has reportedly been scaled down due to the ongoing Muslim Sallah holiday.
Several APC governors and party chieftains from across Nigeria are expected to attend the event. Security has been significantly tightened around the Government House, with massive deployment of operatives, particularly from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police.
Following his defection, Governor Eno is expected to address a select group of journalists at 2 p.m.
PDP Stakeholders Divided
The governor's planned move to the APC has created significant division among PDP stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State. Some party leaders have openly expressed their opposition to the defection.
Notably, Emmanuel Enoidem, a former National Legal Adviser of the PDP and a key supporter of Eno during the 2023 gubernatorial election, has indicated his disapproval of the governor's decision. Enoidem has hinted that the PDP will still field candidates for the 2027 elections despite the governor's defection.
This development marks a significant shift in Akwa Ibom's political landscape, as the state has been a PDP stronghold since the return to democratic governance in 1999.
Governor Eno's defection, if it proceeds as planned, would represent one of the most high-profile party switches in recent Nigerian political history and could potentially alter the political dynamics in the South-South region ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Stay updated on this developing story and more by following BenriNews on our social media platforms.
