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The political landscape in Nigeria’s Akwa Ibom State has been thrown into turmoil following the defection of Governor Umo Eno from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Fifteen of the 26 lawmakers in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly have refused to defect with the governor, creating a significant division in the state legislature. The remaining 11 lawmakers are reported to have joined the APC, although sources say many did so reluctantly.
High-Profile Defection
Governor Eno’s defection was made public during a formal ceremony on Friday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Uyo. The event was attended by several senior APC figures, including the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, as well as Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu.
Also present was Unoma Ekaette Akpabio, wife of the Senate President, underscoring the significance of the political shift.
Following the ceremony, Governor Eno proceeded to Obotim Ward in his native Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, where he officially registered as a member of the APC.
Commissioner Resigns Over Party Switch
In the wake of the defection, a member of the governor’s cabinet, Ini Ememobong, resigned from his position, citing ideological differences.
Mr Ememobong, who held key portfolios including Information, Special Duties, and oversight of the Ibom Deep Sea Port project, said his resignation was in direct response to Governor Eno’s directive that appointees unwilling to join the APC should step down.
“While I cannot question or fault the Governor’s personal decision, I am unable to join in that sojourn,” Mr Ememobong wrote in his resignation letter, posted on social media.
“My decision is borne out of my belief in politics with principles and my long-standing opposition to that political platform.”
He expressed appreciation to both Governor Eno and former Governor Udom Emmanuel, under whom he also served, and described his time in office as a period of dedicated service.
Deepening Political Tensions
The split within the state assembly raises concerns about legislative gridlock and possible constitutional challenges. Under Nigerian law, elected lawmakers are only permitted to switch parties under specific conditions, typically when there is a clear division or crisis within their party.
Political analysts say the defection could trigger legal battles over the seats of the defecting lawmakers, and potentially reshape the balance of power in one of the PDP’s long-standing strongholds.
National PDP leaders have yet to issue a formal response, but the developments are expected to intensify internal discussions within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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