A major political shakeup looms in Akwa Ibom as Governor Umo Eno has delivered a clear-cut ultimatum to members of his cabinet: align with his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resign from the State Executive Council.
In a video shared by Channels Television on Friday, Governor Eno made the declaration during a State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday, making it clear that loyalty to his leadership now hinges on joining him in the political transition.
“It’s no more news that I’m moving party. If you don’t know that by now, I don’t know what else you know,” the Governor said.
He emphasized that any cabinet member unwilling to follow him to the APC would have to vacate their position once his defection becomes official.
“I am told that some of you are saying that you will not come—you are free, absolutely free, not to join me. But you won’t be in my State Executive Council,” he stated. “So, you better just be prepared to resign the day I announce that I’m moving because you are an appointee and your loyalty is to me.”
Governor Eno underscored the importance of unity within his administration, warning against political dissent or “anti-party” behavior.
“You can’t be in my cabinet and play anti-party. It’s not a threat—it is what it is. I won’t beg you to come; you should normally not even expect it,” he added.
The Governor attributed his planned departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ongoing internal disputes and concerns over procedural integrity within the party.
“I love the PDP; I want to stay in the PDP. But clearly, I don’t have a road map to guarantee a smooth sail in the elections—not because we won’t win elections,” he said.
He expressed fears about the credibility of PDP’s national leadership, citing risks of disqualification on technical grounds even after winning elections.
“Every day, secretary this and that… You take your form, they send it to INEC, and then you run all the elections, perhaps win, and just on technical grounds—because the wrong person signed your form—you lose everything,” he explained.
This directive puts commissioners and appointees in a precarious position, forcing a choice between party allegiance and loyalty to the Governor. The fallout could significantly reshape the state’s political dynamics in the coming days.
