During a town hall meeting in Ikot Abasi, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State announced his plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress, but the crowd strongly opposed the move.
After conducting extensive consultations, the governor declared during a town hall meeting with the Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency on Wednesday that he believes it’s time for the state to align with the ruling federal party.
“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?” Eno asked.
A thunderous ‘No!’ from the audience drowned out the few ‘Yes’ voices in response to the governor’s call, creating a tense atmosphere at the crowded Ikot Abasi Local Government Grounds.
Governor Eno continued to push for Akwa Ibom’s defection, despite opposition, highlighting the state’s need for a significant role in national politics and backing President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio in 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.
“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.”
Governor Eno stressed the need for unity across party lines and announced that he, Tinubu, and Akpabio must all return to office in 2027, marking a significant political shift.
