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After the official defection of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday, there are signs that more governors may soon shift from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
Eno became the second PDP governor in the South-South region to join the APC within two months, following Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State.
This latest defection brings the total to 23 states with APC governors, 10 with PDP governors, and one state each under the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Labour Party, and the New Nigeria People’s Party.
Attention now turns to Governors Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, and the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Fintiri was recently reported to have met with National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and has been distancing himself from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Atiku has since met with Fintiri’s rival in the 2023 elections, Aishatu Dahiru Binani, who has also had conflicts with APC leadership in the state.
Meanwhile, the Enugu State chapter of the PDP has persistently defended Mbah amid rumors of his potential defection to the APC, which were once similarly dismissed in Delta State before Oborevwori's final defection.
Oborevwori joined the APC in a ceremony attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Dr Umar Ganduje, and other governors.
Fubara reportedly met with the President during his recent trip to the UK, with a photograph circulating online of a meeting with Tinubu in Lagos.
He praised the President for his efforts to support Rivers State in a recent stakeholder meeting after the declaration of emergency rule in the state on March 18, 2025, which led to his suspension along with his deputy and other lawmakers. Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, stirred discussions after visiting the President in Lagos, raising speculation about his own defection.
At the APC national summit on May 22, 2025, Tinubu remarked that the defections of significant political figures from opposition parties to the ruling APC reflect their constitutional rights rather than an impending one-party state.
Eno's official defection ceremony was broadcasted live, attended by President Bola Tinubu and other APC governors. The ceremony was marked by a video showing the President watching the transmission.
Following Eno's declaration, officials from the state assembly and members of the National Assembly also announced their defections to the APC, though the Commissioner for Information and Special Duties, Ini Ememobong, resigned his post as he did not align with Eno's move.
The beginnings of Eno's potential defection were hinted at on April 30, 2025, when he likened the PDP to a malfunctioning aircraft at a town square meeting, calling for a switch to a more viable alternative. By May 23, he ordered all commissioners and appointees to leave for the APC or resign.
At his official declaration at the Government House in Uyo, Eno emphasized that the defection came from a position of strength, bringing value to the APC and supporting President Tinubu.
He acknowledged the PDP for its previous support but affirmed his commitment to the APC, stating that political parties are merely vehicles for serving the people of Akwa Ibom.
Eno appealed for unity among the people of Akwa Ibom, urging loyalty from his appointees as they prepare to support the 2027 reelection of the President. Akpabio praised Eno for his courageous decision, predicting beneficial outcomes for the state as a result.
Following the registration of his membership in the APC, Eno visited Akpabio's residence for further discussions.
The APC officially welcomed Eno, describing his defection as a significant enhancement to the party and to the people of Akwa Ibom.
Ememobong explained his resignation was in keeping with Eno's directive for appointees unwilling to switch to the APC to step down.
He expressed gratitude toward both Eno and former Governor Udom Emmanuel for their faith in him.
The PDP's state chairman stated they would respond to the situation at a later time.
