Trouble Brews in A' Ibom As Commissioner, 15 Lawmakers Refuse to Defect With Gov Eno To APC
The defection of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, to All Ruling Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to raise some dust as a commissioner and 15 State House of Assembly members have refused to defect alongside him.
Reports available from the International Coordinator of the Maintain Peace Movement (MPM), the platform that supported Governor Umo Eno’s rise to power, Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, along with Commissioner Ini Ememobong and 15 members of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, have resisted Governor Eno’s decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This resistance is largely due to the fact that over 60% of Governor Eno’s executive cabinet, House of Assembly members, and Local Government Chairmen remain loyal to the former governor, Udom Emmanuel, who continues to be a steadfast member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
At a recent State Executive Council meeting, Governor Eno directed all his cabinet members and aides to either join him in defecting to the APC or resign. In response, Commissioner Ini Ememobong resigned, citing his commitment to political principles and his opposition to the APC platform. In his resignation letter, Ememobong expressed respect for Governor Eno but emphasized that his political beliefs prevent him from following the governor into the APC. He also expressed gratitude to both the current governor and former Governor Udom Emmanuel for their trust and support.
Similarly, Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, a former National Legal Adviser of the PDP, declined to join the APC, stating that his decision was based on political values and a belief that parties should be ideological homes, not just platforms for personal gain. He criticized the APC for using intimidation tactics to force defections ahead of the 2027 elections and affirmed his continued support for Governor Eno’s administration despite his refusal to switch parties.
Upon his defection, Governor Eno explained that his move was motivated by “Enlightened State Interest,” aiming to align Akwa Ibom with the federal government to attract more development and federal presence. He stressed that while he changed political affiliation from PDP to APC, his core values and principles remain unchanged.
The response to Governor Eno’s defection has been mixed, with many stakeholders yet to decide whether to follow him or resist the shift, as criticism continues to surround his decision.
