In a dramatic political shift, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring his move a "gift" to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in honour of the Sallah celebration.
Governor Eno, who made the declaration during a special address in Uyo, said he was inspired by President Tinubu’s leadership style and track record, both as Governor of Lagos State and now as President of Nigeria.
"President Tinubu, GCFR, has possibly, in recent history, faced the most daunting economic challenges of any leader," Eno said. "With boldness and deep convictions, he has stared these moments head-on and come up with solutions that, though initially tough on Nigerians, are already yielding sustainable effects."
The governor specifically commended the removal of fuel subsidy, stating that it has boosted state revenues and enabled subnational governments, including Akwa Ibom, to execute life-impacting infrastructure projects across all 31 local government areas.
Eno, once a staunch PDP loyalist, said his admiration for Tinubu dates back to his days as a young professional in Lagos when the President was the state governor. "I was amazed by how he transformed Lagos into a model subnational despite challenges. That vision and drive have remained consistent," he said.
The governor revealed he had received assurances of full integration and support from President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Progressive Governors’ Forum. He added that his decision to join the APC was rooted in "enlightened state interest" and the need to attract more federal attention to Akwa Ibom.
“This movement, falling on a day that we mark Sallah, is our own gift to our President and it has divine connotation,” he declared.
Eno promised to lead a bipartisan government that aligns both the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his administration’s ARISE Agenda, pledging to work toward a more inclusive, united, and prosperous Akwa Ibom State.
