By Charles Pemu 
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, appears poised to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in what political observers interpret as a strategic realignment with the center of federal power under President Bola Tinubu.
During a closed-door State Executive Council meeting on Thursday, Governor Eno reportedly informed his cabinet of his intention, urging appointees to either join him in the APC or resign. The message was unambiguous: loyalty must be redefined along new political lines.
“Anyone who claims they don’t know about my exit plan is still living in the 18th century,” Eno said, insisting he would retain influence over the PDP structure even post-defection — a bold assertion that has raised eyebrows within the party.
While the PDP’s state leadership remained unreachable, APC insiders have confirmed the defection is only a matter of timing. “Though unofficial, plans have been perfected,” said Iniobong John, Director of the APC Media Network.
The expected switch is seen as part of a wider pattern of defections that reflects growing alignment with Tinubu’s administration as Nigeria’s 2027 political landscape begins to take shape. Analysts say it could significantly reshape the balance of power in Akwa Ibom, a traditional PDP stronghold.