Eno Confirms Exit from PDP, Threatens Exco Members

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has officially confirmed his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing internal party disunity and concerns over the credibility of the electoral process at the national level.

Speaking during a State Executive Council meeting on Friday, Governor Eno acknowledged the wide speculation about his move, stating, “It’s no more news that I’m moving party. If you don’t know that by now, I don’t know what else you know.”

While expressing affection for the PDP and pride in his administration’s achievements, Eno said his decision was informed by structural challenges within the party that could jeopardize future electoral victories.

“I love the PDP, I want to stay in the PDP, but clearly, I don’t have a road map to guarantee that I’ll be able to have a smooth sail in the elections,” he said.

He further noted that despite the state’s strong support for his administration, technical irregularities stemming from national party conflicts could risk disqualifying legitimate victories.

“Every day, secretary this and that… you perhaps win the elections and just on technical ground, because the wrong person signed your form, you lose everything,” he warned.

He also urged the Commissioners in his State to defect with him or vacate from their current position in the State council.

“So, we want our commissioners and members of Excos, appointees; I am told that some of you are saying that you will not come, you are free, absolutely free not to join me, but you won’t be in my state executive council,” he said.

“So, you better just be prepared to resign the day I announce that I’m moving because you are an appointee and your loyalty is to me.

“You can’t be in my cabinet and play anti-party, it’s not a threat, it is what it is. I won’t beg you to come, you should normally not even expect it,” the governor added.

“In this state today, with the work that all of us have done, even if we contest on a zero party, we will win this election.

“There’s no doubt about it. We’ve worked very hard, but we know that at the national level that our party is not coming together,” he said.

“Every day, secretary this and that, and so you take your form, they send it to INEC, and then you run all the elections, you perhaps win the elections and just on technical ground, because the wrong person signed your form, you lose everything,” Governor Eno warned.