By Atoyebi Nike
A coalition of professionals affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sharply criticized the reported defection of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a serious misstep that has eroded his public image and weakened his political standing.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, the Protem National Coordinator of the Conference of Professionals in PDP (CP-PDP), Barrister Obinna Nwachukwu, described the governor’s decision as regrettable and damaging, particularly given the values he was once seen to represent.
“Governor Eno began his tenure with a profile rooted in integrity and public service, yet his recent actions suggest a departure from those ideals,” Nwachukwu said. “He now appears aligned with political actors widely perceived as self-serving and dismissive of public accountability.”
The group expressed dismay that the governor would choose to align with President Bola Tinubu, whom they described as having fallen short of expectations midway into his term. According to Nwachukwu, the defection signals political miscalculation and could isolate Governor Eno from the people of Akwa Ibom, a state that remains largely supportive of the PDP.
“By embracing a platform that contradicts the will of his constituents, Governor Eno risks becoming politically irrelevant,” Nwachukwu added.
The CP-PDP’s statement reflects broader concerns within the PDP about defections to the APC, especially in regions considered strongholds. The group emphasized that loyalty to party ideals and grassroots support remain essential for sustained political relevance.
Governor Umo Eno is yet to issue a formal response to the criticisms or confirm the reported switch.
