ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)g – Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor made the announcement during a press conference held on Friday in Uyo, the state capital.
“Having completed the rounds of my consultations as your servant, I have therefore decided to progressivesly moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC),” governor Eno said.
He emphasized that his defection to the ruling APC was not driven by desperation or weakness but by strength and purpose.
“We are not joining the APC from a position of weakness, we are joining the APC from a position of strength,” he added.
Governor Eno explained that his move to the APC was aimed at giving full backing to the economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Tinubu.
His decision comes about six weeks after the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, also left the PDP for the APC.
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Speculations about Eno’s potential defection surfaced in April when he openly declared support for President Tinubu’s re-election during the flag-off of the 65-kilometre, three-lane dual carriageway section of the highway project in Nsit-Antai Local Government Area.
Two weeks prior to his official defection, Eno had directed his commissioners and political appointees to either defect with him to the APC or resign from their positions.
Governor Eno was elected in March 2023 and was sworn into office on May 29, 2023. He hails from Ikot Ekpene Udo in the Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Born on April 24, 1964, he is the son of the late Mr. Basey Umo Eno, a Chief Superintendent of Police, and Deaconess Eka Umo Eno.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and Public Administration as well as a Master of Science degree in Public Administration, both from the University of Uyo.
Before venturing into politics, Eno worked in the banking sector and later built a career in the hospitality industry. He also served as the state’s Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources. He is the founder of All Nations Christian Ministry International.