Six months after Governor Umo Eno defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the PDP in Akwa Ibom State continues to display his official portraits and campaign posters at its secretariat in Atan Offot, Uyo.

A visit to the secretariat on Wednesday revealed that the governor’s photographs still occupy strategic positions in offices, while his campaign materials remain on the walls—an act that has sparked widespread curiosity and criticism within the party.

Party members and observers have questioned the rationale behind the continued display of Eno’s images, with some interpreting it as a subtle reflection of the governor’s earlier claim that he would still “control the PDP” even after leaving the party.

Internal Division Deepens in Akwa Ibom PDP

The situation has further exposed divisions within the Akwa Ibom PDP. The party’s former chairman, Aniekan Akpan, has been accused by stakeholders of fraternizing with the APC and attending events with Governor Eno—actions seen as undermining the PDP’s integrity in the state.

In response, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) announced the dissolution of Akpan’s executive committee, naming Umoren Iquat as the new state chairman. However, this decision was swiftly countered by a letter from the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who stated that no formal NWC meeting was held to approve the dissolution.

At a press briefing, Akpan maintained that he remains the legitimate chairman, dismissing reports of his removal.

“The National Secretary of the PDP has issued a statement confirming that no formal NWC sitting sanctioned the dissolution of the state executive,” Akpan said.

Calls for Discipline Within the Party

A PDP pressure group, Advocates for Peace and Justice, led by Dr. Tom Fredfish, has called on Akpan to “stop deceiving the public” and formally join the APC if he no longer aligns with PDP ideals.

“It is an open secret that Aniekan Akpan has been fraternizing with the APC while pretending to remain in the PDP. No one can serve two masters,” Fredfish stated.

Efforts by journalists to reach Akpan for comment were unsuccessful, as he was reportedly out of town and unreachable by phone.

Political Uncertainty Ahead of 2027 Elections

Akwa Ibom, long considered a PDP stronghold, now faces growing political uncertainty following Eno’s defection and the emergence of two rival factions within the party.

As the state’s political landscape continues to shift, analysts say the coming months will determine whether the PDP can regain its footing—or whether the APC will consolidate its new advantage ahead of the 2027 general elections.