Political Storm: Tinubu’s Influence Grows as Governor Eno Joins APC; More Defections Loom

The political landscape in Nigeria is undergoing a significant transformation as Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday. His move marks a notable shift in the political balance, particularly in the South-South, where he becomes the second Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor to join the APC in under two months—following in the footsteps of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.

With this latest defection, the APC now governs 23 states across the federation, while the PDP controls 10. The remaining three states are led by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), each with one.

Speculations are now intensifying about further defections, with focus turning to Governors Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Reports indicate that Governor Fintiri, who recently held a private meeting with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, may be drifting away from his longtime political ally, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Atiku was also seen engaging with Aishatu Dahiru Binani, Fintiri’s main rival in the 2023 election and a former APC figure now estranged from the party’s state leadership.

In Enugu, persistent rumors suggest Governor Mbah is considering a similar move to the APC, despite strong denials from the state’s PDP leadership. Notably, a similar situation played out in Delta before Oborevwori’s eventual crossover, despite repeated dismissals and resistance from both the PDP and APC in the state.

Fubara’s political future is equally under scrutiny. He was seen with President Tinubu in Lagos during a recent trip and earlier praised the President’s intervention in Rivers State, describing it as a “legendary move.” The President had earlier declared a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State Assembly.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, also sparked speculation after paying a surprise visit to President Tinubu at his Lagos residence, prompting discussions over a potential shift in party loyalty.

Speaking at the APC’s national summit on May 22, President Tinubu welcomed the wave of defections, emphasizing that such actions are part of a constitutional democracy. He dismissed fears of a looming one-party state, insisting the developments reflect the political choices and aspirations of the Nigerian people.

“I welcome the movement. This is democracy in action. Freedom of association is a constitutional right. We are progressives—let the broom sweep,” Tinubu stated.

Governor Eno’s official entry into the APC was a high-profile event broadcast live on national television. While President Tinubu followed the ceremony on TV, Senate President Godswill Akpabio was represented by his wife, Unoma Akpabio.

The APC Governors’ Forum, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, brought together nine APC governors for the occasion, including Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta).

Also in attendance were Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, several APC state chairmen, and other key stakeholders. Sources revealed that PDP lawmakers at both state and national levels aligned with Governor Eno in making the switch to the APC.

However, not everyone followed suit. The state’s Commissioner for Information and Special Duties, Ini Ememobong, tendered his resignation from the executive council, distancing himself from the new political direction.