PDP Dissolves Akwa Ibom Excos Amid Loyalty Allegations to Governor Umo Eno and APC

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

In a dramatic political move, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dissolved its executive committees in Akwa Ibom State, citing concerns over compromised loyalty to Governor Pastor Umo Eno, who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) earlier this year. The decision, announced by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, comes four months after Governor Eno’s high-profile exit, raising questions about the future of the party in its former South-South stronghold.

Governor Eno’s Defection and Its Ripple Effects

Governor Umo Eno’s defection on June 6, 2025, marked a significant political shift in the South-South region, following a trend of high-profile PDP governors joining the ruling APC, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Akwa Ibom, a PDP bastion since 1999, now faces unprecedented political realignment.

According to reports by Dependable NG, the PDP’s National Working Committee conducted a review and found that the Akwa Ibom executives’ alignment with APC interests had effectively undermined the party. Ologunagba noted that Governor Eno had publicly declared his intent to “be in charge of the two parties,” a statement the PDP described as a constitutional breach and evidence of divided loyalty.

Legal and Constitutional Justifications

Ologunagba referenced Section 10, Subsection 6 of the PDP constitution, which prohibits members from aligning with other parties in ways that could undermine the party or its selected governments. He described the dual allegiance as “anathema,” arguing that dissolving the state executives was necessary to safeguard the PDP’s interests and prevent further sabotage.

However, this decision has already sparked controversy. Some party members have challenged the National Working Committee’s authority, suggesting that only the National Executive Committee (NEC) possesses the legal power to dissolve state executives. Analysts warn that the move could lead to court battles, potentially reaching Nigeria’s Supreme Court.

Public and Party Reactions

The move has elicited mixed reactions among political observers and social media commentators:

• Supporters of the PDP’s decision argue that decisive action was necessary to discipline disloyal members and restore internal cohesion. One commenter likened the situation to a company whose branch managers were revealing trade secrets to a competitor, stressing that rebuilding from the “ashes” requires tough decisions.
• Critics claim the party is creating unnecessary legal conflicts and may inadvertently strengthen the APC ahead of the 2027 elections. Some have pointed out that defection and divided loyalty are symptomatic of broader issues within Nigerian politics, including ideological fluidity and opportunism.
• Political analysts note that the move underscores the challenges of party loyalty in Nigeria, where personal ambition and local alliances often overshadow ideological commitment.

Implications for 2027 Elections

With the PDP’s influence in Akwa Ibom shaken, attention now turns to the 2027 general elections. Observers suggest that unless the party consolidates its base and demonstrates effective leadership, the APC may continue to gain ground in the South-South region. The dissolution of the Akwa Ibom executives could be seen as a necessary but risky attempt to reset party dynamics and reclaim lost trust among constituents.

Broader Reflections on Party Politics in Nigeria

The Akwa Ibom episode highlights persistent issues in Nigerian politics: fluid party affiliations, weak enforcement of internal party rules, and the challenges of maintaining loyalty in the face of high-profile defections. Analysts argue that effective opposition parties are essential for democratic accountability, yet these parties must also enforce discipline to remain credible.

The PDP’s decision serves as both a cautionary tale and a strategic gambit: a signal that internal disloyalty will not be tolerated, while simultaneously opening avenues for political litigation and public debate about governance, accountability, and party discipline.

As the dust settles, all eyes are on Akwa Ibom, where the PDP will now seek to appoint new executives capable of resisting outside influence and rebuilding the party’s credibility in the state ahead of the next electoral cycle.

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