The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has maintained silence following Governor Umo Eno's defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on June 6, 2025. The governor, who was elected on the PDP platform after the party's 25-year unbroken rule in the state, has cited his admiration for President Bola Tinubu, desire to connect Akwa Ibom to the center, and ongoing crisis in the PDP at the national level as reasons for his defection.
Many PDP chieftains, including former Governor Udom Emmanuel who is considered Eno's political godfather, have not followed him to the APC. These party stalwarts have instead reaffirmed their commitment to remain with the PDP and continue building the party.
When contacted by journalists, PDP State Chairman Aniekan Akpan declined to comment on the matter but promised to address it in due time. Sources close to the party suggest that the PDP's silence may be strategic rather than a sign of weakness, as the party may be regrouping to field a strong gubernatorial candidate from Uyo Senatorial District for the 2027 elections.
Pro-PDP Group Threatens Legal Action
Meanwhile, a pro-PDP advocacy group, "PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice (PAPAJ)," has urged the party to challenge Governor Eno's defection in court. The group has threatened to take legal action themselves if the PDP fails to do so within four days.
Speaking through its Chairman, Dr. Tom FredFish, the group criticized the governor's reasons for defection, stating: "We are baffled that Governor Eno, in his speech declaring for APC, did not give any good reason(s) for leaving the PDP rather than his admiration and desire to win elections for President Tinubu."
The group further questioned: "It would have made some sense if the governor cited the internal rift in the PDP for leaving the party, but from his statement, we are tempted to ask if Akwa Ibom people voted for Governor Eno via PDP to become an admirer of President Tinubu and to make his reelection his priority?"
Constitutional Concerns Raised
PAPAJ has argued that Governor Eno's defection violates Section 221 of the 1999 Constitution, which emphasizes the importance of political parties in elections. The group contends that since the PDP sponsored Eno's candidacy and Akwa Ibom voters chose the PDP based on its principles and manifesto, the governor has no constitutional right to take the mandate to another party.
"Governor Eno running with the mandate given to him by PDP to the APC amounts to a situation where a person traveled with Ibom Air and after a very safe flight, the person left Ibom Air to pay for the services of the flight at Air Peace, another airline. That is injustice," Dr. FredFish stated.
While acknowledging the governor's right to freedom of association, the group insisted that he should first relinquish the mandate given to him by the PDP before joining the APC. "Didn't the governor see the APC and Tinubu before vying for the position under the PDP, why didn't he contest under the APC if he truly believes in the party?" the group questioned.
The defection has created significant political tension in Akwa Ibom State, with observers watching closely to see how the situation unfolds in the coming days.
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