In a dramatic turn during a town hall meeting in Ikot Abasi on Wednesday, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno announced his intention to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), but was met with resounding opposition from the crowd.
Speaking at the Town Square Meeting with the Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, the governor stated he had conducted extensive consultations and was convinced it was “time to move” to align the state with the federal ruling party.
He asked the audience, “We’re progressively moving forward, linking Akwa Ibom to the center. And I know you’re going with us. Are you going with us, so we can connect to the center?” However, a thunderous “No!” from the audience, overpowering scattered “Yes” responses, created a tense atmosphere at the Ikot Abasi Local Government Grounds.
Read Also: Nigerian Governor Declares State Of Emergency, Appoints Sole Administrator
Despite the strong pushback, Governor Eno continued to argue for defection, emphasizing the need for Akwa Ibom to “belong and be counted” in national politics and to support President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We thank you for your support. I’ve gone round to consult… And so we have done enough consultation. The time has come that we will move. And we will go to where God is leading us,” the governor said.
He added, “Do not be afraid. Believe in us. Believe in President Bola Tinubu because the future is bright. We are already a minority state in Nigeria. If we come again and start breaking ourselves into pieces, we become minority of the minorities and cannot get anything.”
He stressed the importance of unity across party lines and declared that Tinubu, Akpabio, and himself must return to office in 2027.
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
