UYO: Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has announced his intention to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has directed all members of his cabinet to either join him in the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resign their appointments.
Speaking during a State Executive Council meeting on Thursday, the governor confirmed long-standing rumors about his defection, attributing his decision to unresolved internal crises within the People’ democratic partys at the national level.
It’s no longer news that I’m leaving the party. If you’re unaware by now, I don’t know what else you know, he told council members.
Governor Eno clarified that while cabinet members are not obligated to follow him to the APC, those who choose to remain in the PDP must step down from their roles.
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You’re free not to join me, but you cannot remain in my cabinet if you don’t. You can’t serve in my government while working against the direction I’m taking, he said. It’s not a threat, it’s just the reality.
I won’t beg anyone. He emphasized that loyalty is a fundamental expectation for political appointees and reiterated that any form of anti-party activity would be unacceptable within his administration.
Explaining the rationale for his defection, Eno expressed frustration with the PDP’s inability to resolve its internal divisions, warning that ongoing leadership disputes could jeopardize candidates’ eligibility in future elections.
I love the PDP and would have preferred to remain, but I can’t risk the uncertainty. Our party at the national level is not cohesive, he said. We could win elections easily in this state, even running without a party, but legal technicalities from Abuja could ruin everything.
Eno cited concerns over improper endorsements and party documentation that could result in the disqualification of candidates, even after winning elections.
Imagine winning an election only to lose it because the wrong official signed your nomination form. That’s the risk we’re facing, he added.
