Barr. Emmanuel Enoidm, Ini Ememobong, and 15 House of Assembly members in Akwa Ibom have resisted Umo Eno’s decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite being the International Coordinator of the Maintain Peace Movement (MPM) platform.
According to reports, over 60% of Governor Umo Eno’s executive cabinet, House of Assembly members, and Local Government Area Chairmen are loyalists of former governor Udom Emmanuel, who remains a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Also speaking on his reasons for refusing to join the governor, Enoidem, who is also a former National Legal Adviser of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), stated that his stance was based on his political principles and values, not convenience.
He asserted that political parties should serve as intellectual homes rather than platforms for personal gain and that political consistency and discipline are critical to developing Nigeria’s democracy.
“They are harassing many people, and the APC is using intimidation to pressure people into joining ahead of 2027. I would support Umo Eno, the governor who has a strong covenant with the people of Akwa Ibom in key areas.”
He stated that Eno was currently one of the best governors in the country and that he would continue to support his government even as a member of the APC.
“He is one of the best governors we have had in the country, but I don’t think everybody should yield to that intimidation.
“In 2027, I will support Eno that’s important to our people; he has done well in key areas of development, except he changed and is not performing because everybody who goes to APC fails. They say failure is part of the gene in the APC.”
He hinted that after the governor’s defection, they would reassess the party to know the way forward.
Speaking shortly after his defection, Governor Eno stated that the reason for his action was Enlightened State Interest predicated on the need to align Akwa Ibom State with the Centre to attract more Federal presence.
Currently, It remained uncertain how many stakeholders in the state would follow or resist the call by Governor Eno to join the APC, as condemnation is trailing his decision from all angles.
