Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno Announces Exit from PDP

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Akwa Ibom State and beyond, Governor Pastor Umo Eno has announced his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the platform on which he was elected in 2023.

The governor reportedly made the declaration during a closed-door meeting with members of the State Executive Council at Government House, Uyo, earlier this week. According to sources present at the meeting, Governor Eno told his commissioners and top aides, in clear terms, “I am leaving the PDP,” but did not immediately disclose which political party he intends to join.

The announcement came as a surprise to many within the administration, given Eno’s previously strong affiliation with the PDP and his close political ties to former Governor Udom Emmanuel, a prominent PDP figure in the state.

While the governor did not give a detailed explanation during the cabinet session, insiders suggest that the decision may be linked to deepening internal rifts within the state chapter of the PDP, as well as growing alignment with national political currents that could favor a shift toward the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or another emerging bloc.

One of the commissioners, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the moment as “tense and unexpected,” adding that many cabinet members were left in shock and uncertainty about the political future of the administration.

Political analysts say the governor’s defection—if formalized—could significantly alter the balance of power in Akwa Ibom, a PDP stronghold since 1999. It may also trigger a wave of defections from both the state legislature and local government structures, depending on the direction Governor Eno eventually takes.

As of the time of reporting, there has been no official press release from the governor’s media team or the PDP leadership in the state. However, observers believe an official statement will follow shortly, especially as speculation continues to swirl over whether the governor plans to join the APC or explore a third-force coalition.

Governor Umo Eno, a former pastor and entrepreneur, emerged as PDP’s consensus candidate in the 2023 governorship election with strong backing from party stakeholders. His defection, therefore, may reshape the political trajectory of the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.