Political Earthquake Hits PDP as Akwa Ibom Governor Dumps Party for APC.
In a shocking turn of events that has sent tremors through Nigeria’s political landscape, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, is set to formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) today, Friday, June 6, 2025.
Top-ranking APC leaders, including state governors and influential party stalwarts, arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Thursday evening in anticipation of the landmark defection.
TJ News Nigeria gathered that among those who stormed the Akwa Ibom Government House was Senator Prince Bassey Otu, Governor of Cross River State, who was joined by his Imo State counterpart, Governor Hope Uzodimma, the current Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum. More APC bigwigs are expected to touch down this morning to witness what is already being described as one of the most significant political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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PDP Gripped by Shock and Silence
The sudden move has left many PDP leaders in a state of disarray. Party stakeholders, including former officeholders, elders, and key political actors within Akwa Ibom, have maintained an ominous silence, indicating internal discontent and growing anxiety over the implications of Eno’s defection.
TJ News Nigeria learned that the speed and certainty of the decision caught many by surprise. Several high-level meetings held over the past week failed to stop the Governor’s exit, despite pleas from PDP national and state leadership.
Insiders suggest that Eno’s departure is being driven by mounting political tension within his camp, as well as growing dissatisfaction with the PDP’s national strategy and internal power dynamics.
Aides Unlikely to Follow Governor Eno
There are indications that many members of Governor Eno’s inner circle, including his Special Assistants (SAs), Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), and Personal Assistants (PAs), may not accompany him to the APC.
This widening rift suggests deep divisions and signals a looming shakeup within the state’s political power structure.
Political observers note that the Governor’s defection could upend PDP’s preparation for the 2027 elections, throwing long-established zoning formulas and succession plans into turmoil.
Growing Resentment and Betrayal
Several prominent PDP supporters and grassroots loyalists have described the defection as “a betrayal of trust” and “a dangerous gamble” that could lead to political instability in Akwa Ibom.
Local sources report that many politicians within the state view the move as a violation of the PDP’s long-standing commitment to inclusive governance, equity, and power rotation. This sentiment has already sparked backlash across various communities.
TJ News Nigeria reports that some political blocs in Akwa Ibom have begun mobilizing support for alternative leadership within the PDP, hinting at an impending battle for control of the party’s machinery in the state.
PDP’s National Grip Weakens Further
Governor Eno’s exit marks another major blow to the PDP’s national standing. With Akwa Ibom now under APC control, the PDP’s foothold has diminished to just ten states:
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Adamawa
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Bauchi
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Bayelsa
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Enugu
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Osun
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Oyo
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Plateau
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Rivers
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Taraba
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Zamfara
This defection follows recent political setbacks for the PDP, raising serious questions about its strategy heading into 2027.
APC Celebrates Major Victory
For the APC, the development is being hailed as a significant consolidation of power in the South-South region—traditionally a PDP stronghold. Governor Hope Uzodimma, speaking privately to associates, reportedly described Eno’s switch as “a game-changing alignment.”
Sources within the APC told TJ News Nigeria that the ruling party’s leadership has been working behind the scenes for months to broker this defection, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu believed to be directly involved in high-level negotiations.
With Akwa Ibom now in APC’s column, the party boosts its influence in the oil-rich Niger Delta and inches closer to full regional dominance.
What Lies Ahead for Umo Eno?
While the political implications are still unfolding, many observers believe Umo Eno’s defection is aimed at securing broader federal support for Akwa Ibom and ensuring his political survival amid internal party pressures.
However, his long-term acceptance within the APC remains uncertain, as existing power blocs within the party may resist his sudden elevation.
Political analysts say the Governor must now navigate delicate intra-party alliances to avoid marginalization or political irrelevance within his new party.
What you should know
Governor Umo Eno’s defection from PDP to APC marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s contemporary political history. As both parties recalibrate ahead of the 2027 elections, the immediate and long-term effects of this political realignment will reshape the power dynamics not only in Akwa Ibom but across the nation.
TJ News Nigeria will continue to monitor the situation and provide real-time updates as events unfold in Uyo and beyond.
Stay tuned for more breaking news, verified reports, and political insights from TJ News Nigeria.
