By Uko Okon
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Jeremiah Akpan-Udoh, has described Governor Umo Eno’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as insensitive, insulting, and a betrayal of the trust reposed in him by the PDP and the people of the state.
Governor Eno, who was elected in 2023 on the platform of the PDP, formally announced his defection to the APC on June 6, 2025.
Speaking at a press conference in Uyo on Monday, Akpan-Udoh accused the governor of abandoning the party that gave him the political platform to rise to power.
“Governor Umo Eno’s defection is not only insensitive but a clear act of disrespect to the PDP and the good people of Akwa Ibom. The party trusted him, supported him, and stood by him. Now, he has turned his back on that loyalty,” he said.
He further alleged that Eno had once claimed he would remain with the PDP to “prevent anyone from hijacking the party,” describing the move as hypocritical and deceptive.
“His defection has created division and confusion within the party and has left many loyal members stranded,” Akpan-Udoh added.
The PDP stalwart called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP to immediately dissolve the State Working Committee (SWC) and constitute a Caretaker Committee to take charge of the party’s affairs in Akwa Ibom.
He also demanded that all political office holders who were elected under the PDP but have now defected to the APC vacate their positions.
“Let it be known that the people of Akwa Ibom voted for the PDP — not individuals. The names on the ballot were not those of the governor, deputy, or lawmakers, but that of the PDP,” he emphasized.
Akpan-Udoh urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) to declare the seats of all defected lawmakers vacant and immediately conduct by-elections to replace them.
He further appealed to opposition parties including the Young Progressives Party (YPP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) to join forces with the PDP in resisting what he called an “attempt to turn Akwa Ibom into a one-party state.”
“Democracy thrives on plurality and accountability. We must all rise to defend the integrity of our electoral choices and the future of our democracy,” he concluded.
