Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s courageous leadership and transformational legacy inspired his decision.
Speaking during his defection speech on Friday, Governor Eno described Tinubu as a bold reformer who has consistently taken tough but necessary decisions for Nigeria’s economic renewal—first as Lagos State Governor and now as President.
“I have never hidden my admiration for the President and his patriotic devotion to national renewal,” Eno said. “My defection is a Sallah gift to President Tinubu.”
The governor, who previously served under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), praised Tinubu’s decisive reforms, especially the removal of fuel subsidy, which he said has significantly increased federal allocations to states, allowing governors like himself to undertake massive developmental projects.
“Akwa Ibom is now a construction site,” Eno said. “Thanks to the increase in revenue, we are executing impactful projects across the 31 local government areas.”
Highlighting the bold economic reforms undertaken by Tinubu despite initial discomfort for Nigerians, the governor noted that confidence in Nigeria’s economy is now growing and the benefits of those reforms are beginning to manifest.
He added that his admiration for Tinubu dates back to his time as a young professional in Lagos.
“I was amazed by how Tinubu ran Lagos with vision and raised the state’s profile to become Nigeria’s leading subnational,” Eno recalled. “That kind of leadership stays with you.”
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Eno, whose defection has sparked political ripples in the South-South, emphasized that his decision was based on “enlightened state interest” and a strategic alignment with the Federal Government to attract more development to Akwa Ibom.
“We must arise together to a stronger, more united Akwa Ibom aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu,” the governor declared.
He reassured Akwa Ibom residents that his administration would remain inclusive and bipartisan, blending the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” with his state’s own “ARISE Agenda.”
Eno also acknowledged support from top APC leaders including President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Progressive Governors’ Forum, adding that he was assured of “seamless integration” into the party.
“Those who know our President know his words are his bond. This movement is divinely inspired,” he said.
Governor Eno’s dramatic political switch is seen as a major gain for the ruling APC and could shift the political calculus ahead of the 2027 general elections.