Defection to APC hasn’t strained my bond with Emmanuel Udom — Akwa-Ibom gov

• Eno said defecting to APC was a strategic decision to align Akwa Ibom’s interests with Tinubu’s federal government.
• He affirmed there is no fallout with Udom Emmanuel, despite speculation following his switch from PDP to APC.

The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has maintained that his decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has not strained his personal or political relationship with his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel.

Eno, who emerged as governor under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), formally announced his switch to the APC in June after several months of engaging with political stakeholders within the state.

While addressing supporters during an APC rally in Eket on Monday, Eno clarified that his defection should not be interpreted as a betrayal of Emmanuel, whom he described as his political father.

“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,” Eno declared.

He explained that his move was a strategic step aimed at advancing Akwa Ibom’s interests by aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration at the federal level.

“We have moved in the best interest of Akwa Ibom State for today so that we can pull our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That does not cause any confusion,” the governor said.

Eno, who was personally endorsed by Emmanuel as his successor in the 2023 governorship election, said the political realignment has not affected the bond they share.

“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 stated.

Following Eno’s defection, there had been widespread rumours suggesting a rift between him and Emmanuel, a staunch PDP figure who served as governor for two terms between 2015 and 2023.

However, Eno dismissed such speculations, insisting that these narratives are driven by political mischief-makers eager to sow discord within the state’s leadership.

Since joining the APC, the governor has intensified his advocacy for Akwa Ibom to build a stronger relationship with the federal government, urging residents to support Tinubu’s developmental agenda.

Eno also assured that his administration remains fully committed to delivering on its governance mandate, stressing that political affiliations must not stand in the way of the state’s progress.