EKET, AKWA IBOM — Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has declared that despite his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), he still holds former Governor Udom Emmanuel as his political godfather.
Speaking at a pro-APC rally in Eket on Monday, Eno dismissed speculations of a rift between him and his predecessor, reaffirming their strong personal and political bond.
“Let me make it abundantly clear that there is no issue between me and my political father, former governor Udom Emmanuel. There is no issue whatsoever,” Eno said.
“I visit him, I talk with him, and we are still together. I am his political son. He brought me out to run for governor. And so, he will always earn our respect and our support.”
Governor Eno, who assumed office in 2023 after being handpicked by Emmanuel, shocked many in June when he announced his defection to the APC — a move that stirred political tension in the state and beyond.
Explaining his decision, the governor said the switch was not born out of betrayal, but rather a strategic move in the interest of Akwa Ibom’s development.
“I defected to the APC to draw federal attention to Akwa Ibom. We want President Bola Tinubu to support our state and our people,” he said.
The governor’s reassurance appears aimed at calming loyalists of the former PDP-led government amid growing concerns of a political realignment in the state.
Comments