Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has emphatically stated that his immediate predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, remains his political godfather despite his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking during a pro-APC rally in the Eket area of the state on Monday, Governor Eno dismissed speculations of a rift between him and the former governor, emphasizing that their relationship remains intact.
"Let me make it abundantly clear that there is no issue between me and my political father, former governor Udom Emmanuel. There is no issue whatsoever," Eno declared.
"I visit him, I talk with him, and we are still together. I am his political son. He brought me out to run for governor. And so, he will always earn our respect, our support, and I'd like to make that assurance," he added.
The governor, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to APC in June 2025, explained that his political move was strategically made in the interest of Akwa Ibom State. According to him, the defection was aimed at securing the attention and support of President Bola Tinubu's administration for developmental projects in the state.
It should be recalled that Udom Emmanuel had handpicked Eno as his successor and successfully handed over power to him in 2023 after completing his tenure as governor under the PDP platform.
The governor's public affirmation of his relationship with his predecessor comes amid political realignments in the South-South region, where several PDP stalwarts have recently moved to the ruling APC.
Political analysts view this development as significant for Akwa Ibom's political landscape, as it suggests that despite party differences, the political structure established by the former governor might continue to influence governance in the state.
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