According to reports by The Vanguard, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has told all members of his cabinet, including commissioners and political appointees, to either join him in defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or step down from their positions.
This announcement was made during a State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting on Thursday, where Governor Eno confirmed he is leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the APC.
According to sources at the meeting, the governor said his decision should not be a surprise to anyone. “Anyone who says they didn’t know I planned to leave the PDP is living in the 18th century,” he said.
Governor Eno explained that he was motivated to switch parties because he admires President Bola Tinubu’s leadership style and wants to work more closely with the Federal Government.
He made it clear that he expects full loyalty from his appointees and has no intention of negotiating with anyone who refuses to follow his political move. “Except for elected officials like House of Assembly members and Local Government Chairmen, I have nothing to negotiate with anyone,” he said firmly.
Eno also warned that those who think they can remain in the PDP and use its structure against him are mistaken. He insisted that he would still have control over the party’s structure even after his defection.
