A bold declaration by Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was met with loud disapproval from residents during a town hall meeting in Ikot Abasi on Wednesday.
Speaking at the Town Square Meeting with the Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, Governor Eno told constituents he had completed wide consultations and believed it was time to align the state politically with the APC at the federal level.
“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?” the governor asked.
His question was met with a thunderous “No!” from the crowd, drowning out the scattered voices of agreement. The response created a moment of visible tension inside the packed venue at the Ikot Abasi Local Government Grounds.
Unfazed by the rejection, Governor Eno pressed on with his argument, emphasizing the need for Akwa Ibom to “belong and be counted” in national politics and to back President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio as preparations for the 2027 elections begin.
“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,” he said.
He urged the people not to be fearful, adding: “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.”
The governor called for unity beyond party affiliations and declared that the trio of Tinubu, Akpabio, and himself must return to office in 2027.
Governor Eno’s remarks represent a potentially major political shift in Akwa Ibom’s landscape, but the crowd’s vocal rejection underscores deep-rooted resistance that could complicate any realignment plans.
