The Akwa Ibom State Government has debunked speculations that Governor Umo Eno of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing the media in Uyo, the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, dismissed the rumours as unfounded, noting that the Governor’s recent interactions with federal figures including President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio are driven by strategic governance goals rather than partisan ambition.
“Governor Umo Eno’s support for President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio is a strategic act of enlightened state interest,” Umanah stated. “It is aimed at unlocking federal collaboration for the benefit of the people of Akwa Ibom.”
The Commissioner emphasized that Governor Eno remains a loyal member of the PDP and has not indicated any interest in switching political allegiance.
“The recent endorsements and open commendations from the Governor towards federal leaders are not about crossing party lines, but fostering inter-governmental cooperation,” he clarified.
Rumours of a defection had gained momentum following Governor Eno’s frequent visits to the presidency and his public endorsement of President Tinubu and Akpabio for a second term. However, Umanah insisted these engagements are yielding real development dividends for Akwa Ibom.
“This growing synergy has already begun yielding visible benefits and will further facilitate key initiatives like the Ibom Deep Seaport and Ecological Remediation,” he said.
According to Umanah, President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Senate President Akpabio have consistently applauded Governor Eno’s governance style, especially his results-driven approach in less than two years of administration.
“These leaders have shown goodwill toward our State and have publicly acknowledged the Governor’s exceptional performance. This is leadership with foresight,” he said.
Umanah highlighted the progress made under Governor Eno’s Arise Agenda, a development blueprint focused on agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, education, security, and humanitarian services.
“From May 29, 2023, the Governor hit the ground running. He is not just making promises—he is delivering on them,” Umanah added. “Across the State, we are seeing road construction projects, model schools, upgraded health centres, and structured citizen empowerment initiatives taking root.”
The Information Commissioner stressed that political distractions would not derail the administration’s development trajectory, assuring residents that “Governor Eno remains committed to the mandate freely given to him by the people under the PDP platform.”
