Stakeholders of the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are reportedly divided as Governor Umo Eno is set to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday.
The Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodinma, and his Cross River State counterpart, Bassey Otu, are said to already be in Uyo to receive Eno into the ruling party.
Other APC governors and chieftains from across the country are expected to grace the occasion, which is scheduled to take place at the banquet hall of the Government House by 12 noon.
Eno’s defection was reportedly planned as a major event but has been made low-key due to the Muslim Sallah holiday.
At the time of filing this report, security around the Government House is tight, with massive deployment of operatives, especially from the DSS and the police.
However, some PDP stakeholders in the state have decided not to support the governor’s defection to the APC.
Notable among those opposed to Eno’s move to the ruling party is a former National Legal Adviser of the PDP, Emmanuel Enoidem. Enoidem, a key supporter of the governor’s election in 2023, hinted that the PDP will still present candidates for the 2027 election.
According to the itinerary, the governor will address a select group of journalists by 2 p.m. after his defection.