In a bold political move that could reshape Akwa Ibom's power dynamics, Governor Umo Eno has ordered all commissioners and political appointees in his administration to either defect with him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resign their positions.

The directive, issued during Thursday’s State Executive Council meeting, confirms weeks of speculation about the governor’s impending party switch and signals a no-tolerance stance on divided loyalties within his government. “It’s no more news that I’m moving party, if you don’t know that by now, I don’t know what else you know,” the governor said, addressing his team. While acknowledging that his commissioners and appointees have the freedom to make their political choices, he stressed that continued service in his administration would not be compatible with opposition affiliations. “So, we want our commissioners and members of Excos, appointees; I am told that some of you are saying that you will not come, you are free, absolutely free not to join me, but you won’t be in my state executive council,” he declared.

He made it unequivocally clear that the move was not open to negotiation or emotional appeals. “You better just be prepared to resign the day I announce that I’m moving because you are an appointee and your loyalty is to me. You can’t be in my cabinet and play anti party, it’s not a threat, it is what it is. I won’t beg you to come, you should normally not even expect it,” Governor Eno said firmly.

The announcement marks a pivotal moment in Akwa Ibom politics and sets the stage for a potentially dramatic realignment in the state’s power structure.