Umo Eno’s Defection Path to Development – Akpabio

Published on June 7, 2025

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has congratulated Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, on his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that true development can only be achieved through alignment with the party at the federal level.

Akpabio, who was represented by his wife, Mrs. Uloma Akpabio, at the defection event held on Friday in Uyo, described the governor’s move as divinely inspired and beneficial for the people of Akwa Ibom.

“Our dear governor, God’s chosen Pastor Umo Eno, the latest member of the APC, you are welcome, sir. Congratulations,” she said. “With your defection to the APC, it has made your work very easy. During our own time, it was like entering a forest with a knife—not an axe, not a bulldozer—but a knife.”

She emphasized that Governor Eno’s decision was a sign of divine direction and commitment to the development of the state.

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“I am very glad you have seen the light. And God has seen your heart—that you mean well for our people. Because you are a child of God, God has opened your eyes to see the light. And you know that every development can only come from the APC,” she added.

Encouraging the governor to remain firm in the face of opposition, Akpabio reminded him that criticism would follow the bold step he had taken.

“You shall fear no one. God will give you peace and protect your family. God will bless you for taking this bold decision. It’s not an easy one, because you did it for the sake of Akwa Ibom people, not for yourself or your children,” she said.

Also speaking, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Enobong Uwah, declared that members of the State Executive Council were fully behind the governor’s move to the APC.

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“Your Excellency, we didn’t even need to be out here because during the Executive Council meeting, we already said we have moved. Standing before you is your first eleven. And speaking here is the very first APC Secretary to the State Government in Akwa Ibom,” Uwah stated.

He praised Governor Eno as a listening and visionary leader, assuring him of their full support.

“We will follow you all the way to that united and developed Akwa Ibom we have yearned for,” he added.

Meanwhile, speculation swirled that at least three commissioners had resigned in the wake of the defection. As of press time, only Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Ini Ememobong, had officially tendered a resignation letter.

Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong, affirmed the lawmakers’ support for the governor’s move, citing his achievements in office.

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“We will continue to support you till the next six years because you’re thinking of the development of Akwa Ibom,” Otong said.

Senator Ekong Sampson led the Akwa Ibom National Assembly Caucus in a public show of solidarity for Governor Eno, while ALGON State Chairman, Hon. Uwemedimo Udo, led all 31 local government chairmen in pledging their allegiance to the APC.

“This is the only state, Your Excellency, where the governor is building lodges for chairmen free of charge. In other places, they are fighting for local government autonomy, but here you are supporting it,” Udo stated.

Dignitaries present at the event included Minister of Petroleum (State), Ekperikpo Ekpo; Senator Effiong Bob; Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien; Senator Aniekan Bassey; Senator Ita Enang; Chief Essien Nduese; and Chief Don Etiebet.

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