Another PDP Governor speaks as reports of him defecting to APC spreads
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, has refuted claims that Governor Umo Eno is planning to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speculations had emerged following the governor’s recent public endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term, sparking rumours of an imminent party switch.
However, in a statement on Thursday, Umanah clarified that Governor Eno’s comments about President Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio were purely strategic, aimed at fostering stronger ties with the Federal Government and securing developmental support for the state.
He described the defection claims as baseless and reaffirmed the governor’s commitment to the PDP.
Speaking in Uyo, Umanah said: “Governor Umo Eno’s support for President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, is a strategic act of enlightened state interest, aimed at unlocking federal collaboration for the benefit of the people of Akwa Ibom.
“The Governor’s recent open endorsement of the President and other key federal leaders is not about partisanship, but a pragmatic step to foster cooperation and attract federal interventions to the state.
“This growing synergy has already begun yielding visible benefits and will further facilitate key initiatives like the Ibom Deep Seaport, Ecological Remediation, amongst others.”
Governor Umo Eno recently expressed support for President Bola Tinubu to remain in office until 2031, stating that the president enjoys the backing of Nigerians for a second term.
However, Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, clarified that the governor’s endorsement of Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio was a strategic decision made in the best interest of Akwa Ibom State.
He emphasized that the move was aimed at fostering stronger federal-state relations to attract development and not an indication of a planned defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“These leaders have shown clear goodwill toward our State and have publicly acknowledged the Governor’s exceptional performance. This is leadership with foresight,” he added.
