Join me in APC or resign – Gov Eno tells appointees

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has issued a clear ultimatum to his commissioners and political appointees: join him in defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or step down from their positions.

Speaking during a State Executive Council meeting on Thursday, a clip of which was shared by Channels TV on Friday, Eno confirmed his impending defection to the APC and stressed that only those who align with his political move would remain in his administration.

“It’s no longer news that I’m switching parties,” the governor said. “If you’re not aware by now, I don’t know what you’re following. If you won’t join me, you can’t be part of this government.”

Eno emphasized that loyalty to the governor was a condition for staying in his cabinet. “You are free not to join me, but you’ll have to resign the day I officially announce my defection. You can’t serve in my government and be playing anti-party. That’s not a threat; it’s just the way it is,” he declared.

The governor cited unresolved internal conflicts within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as his reason for leaving, expressing doubt over the party’s ability to conduct credible elections.

“I love the PDP and wanted to remain, but I see no clear path to a fair election process,” he said. “Even with all we’ve achieved in Akwa Ibom, at the national level, the PDP remains disorganized. We risk losing elections on technicalities because of internal mishandling—like having the wrong person sign nomination forms.”

Eno concluded by asserting that his administration’s performance speaks for itself, claiming they could win future elections even “on a zero party platform.”