Gov Eno’s Defection: Akwa Ibom Commissioner Ini Ememobong Resigns, Says I Can’t Join APC

Friday June 6, 2025|

The Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, Ini Ememobong, has officially resigned his position shortly after Governor Umo Eno announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The resignation letter was shared by Mr. Ememobong on Facebook approximately one hour after Governor Eno publicly declared his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the APC during an event at the Government House on Friday, June 6.

Weeks before the announcement, Governor Eno had made clear his intention to leave the PDP for the APC, advising members of his cabinet who did not wish to follow him to step down. “Prepare to resign the day I announce that I am moving because you cannot; you are an appointee, and your loyalty is fully to me. You can’t be in my cabinet and play anti-party. It is what it is,” the governor said.

In his resignation, Mr. Ememobong referenced the governor’s earlier instruction as the reason for his decision. “Today, I have tendered my resignation to the Governor in compliance with his directive that his appointees who are unwilling to join him on the political journey to the APC should resign.

“While I cannot question or fault the Governor’s personal decision, I am unable to join in that sojourn. My decision is borne out of my belief in politics with principles and my long-standing opposition to that political platform, which is daily validated by numerous Nigerians across many sectors,” he stated.