Tinubu’s Power Surge: More Governors Poised To Abandon PDP For APCGovernor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday, sparking political waves and speculation that additional governors from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could soon follow suit.

Eno becomes the second South-South governor to make the leap in recent weeks, following Delta State’s Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. With this move, the APC now controls 23 states, while the PDP holds 10. One state each remains under the leadership of the Labour Party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, and the New Nigeria People’s Party.

Attention is now turning to other PDP governors—Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), who was recently suspended. Fintiri has reportedly had meetings with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and appears to be distancing from his former ally, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Meanwhile, Enugu’s PDP continues to deny reports that Governor Mbah might be considering a switch.

Interestingly, similar denials were made before Oborevwori’s own defection, which eventually took place in the presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Dr. Umar Ganduje.

Rivers State’s suspended Governor Fubara has also been in the spotlight, following meetings with President Bola Tinubu in London and Lagos. During a recent engagement in Rivers, Fubara commended Tinubu’s “decisive intervention” in the state’s affairs, shortly after the President suspended Fubara, his deputy, and several lawmakers in a declaration of emergency on March 18, 2025.

In another surprise move, Osun State’s PDP Governor Ademola Adeleke was seen visiting Tinubu in Lagos, raising questions about his political future.

At the APC’s national summit on May 22, President Tinubu welcomed the defections, stating they reflect the exercise of democratic freedoms rather than the emergence of a one-party state. “This is democracy. People are free to move and associate. I say welcome to the progressives. Sweep them clean,” he declared.

A Grand Welcome for Eno

Governor Eno’s defection was marked by a high-profile ceremony at the Government House in Uyo. President Tinubu watched the live broadcast, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio was represented by his wife, Unoma Akpabio.

APC Governors, led by Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, attended the event. Others present included Governors Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Otu (Cross River), Abiodun (Ogun), Okpebholo (Edo), Oyebanji (Ekiti), Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Nwifuru (Ebonyi), and Oborevwori (Delta).

Former Kebbi State Governor and current Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, and several National Assembly members and state lawmakers also participated.

Following Eno’s move, the majority of Akwa Ibom’s lawmakers and federal representatives joined him in switching to the APC. However, one notable resignation came from Commissioner for Information and Special Duties & Ibom Deep Sea Port, Ini Ememobong.

Signs of the Switch

Hints of Eno’s defection first surfaced on April 30, 2025, when he metaphorically described the PDP as a grounded aircraft at a community town hall. “If your airline can’t take off, you board the next one that can,” he said, emphasizing function over party loyalty.

On May 23, Eno instructed all members of his cabinet to either move with him to the APC or resign.

During Friday’s declaration, the governor emphasized that his decision came after broad consultations. “Change is constant. I am not switching from weakness but from a place of strength,” he noted. “We are bringing value to the APC and reconnecting Akwa Ibom to the federal centre.”

He added, “I won’t keep supporting the President in private and acting differently in public. I believe in what he’s doing, and I want to contribute openly.”

Calling for unity across party lines, Eno maintained that governance should transcend politics: “Regardless of party, we are first Akwa Ibomites. The party is just the vehicle.”

Support and Encouragement

Senate President Akpabio, in a goodwill message, praised the governor for making a brave choice. Represented by his wife, he said, “You’ll be criticized, but with God and Mr President behind you, you will prevail.”

She drew parallels between Eno’s move and Akpabio’s own experience in 2019, stating that although he was ridiculed, the long-term gains were evident today.

Governor Uzodimma echoed the sentiment, highlighting the strong leadership at the national level. “The President is not learning on the job. He has the license, not a learner’s permit, and he’s driving us forward,” he said.

Following the declaration, Eno completed his APC registration at his local ward in Nsit Ubium and was later received at Akpabio’s residence for a celebration with party leaders and stakeholders.