The Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Eno Umo defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) over a month ago, with some members of the state legisture. The governor also gave ultimatum to members of his Executive cabinet to defect or resign, which majority followed the governor to the APC and few resigned.
Despite his defection to the APC, governor Eno has insisted that his immediate predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, remains his political godfather. For context, former governor Emmanuel is still a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He made the remark while dismissing the possibility of any rift between them.
Eno, who defected from the PDP to APC in June, was a political protégé of the former governor. Emmanuel had handed over power to Eno in 2023 after completing his tenure.
However, Eno said his defection to APC was in the interest of the state.
Speaking in the Eket during a pro-APC rally on Monday, the governor said his move was aimed at getting the attention of President Bola Tinubu.
“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.
“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, our support, and I’d like to make that assurance,” he said.
