Six months after defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Umo Eno’s portraits and campaign billboards continue to dominate the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Armed police personnel remain stationed at the facility to prevent clashes between rival party factions.
A PDP insider revealed that police deployment followed an attempted takeover by a faction led by Osagiefo Igwatt Umoren. This group sought to forcibly remove the duly elected chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan. “Police have guarded the premises since Umoren’s faction attempted a civilian coup against elected officials,” the source stated.
Once symbolizing PDP’s regional dominance, the secretariat has become an epicenter of internal power struggles since Governor Eno’s defection. Tensions reportedly escalated after Chairman Akpan and other executives hosted Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. Wike visited Akwa Ibom at Eno’s invitation to inaugurate the Ika-Azumini Road project.
Following this event, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) dissolved the state executive council and installed Umoren as new chairman. However, PDP National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu immediately rejected this decision, asserting no formal NWC meeting authorized the dissolution.
Elder Akpan supported this position: “We confirm the NWC held no formal sitting for this decision. Senator Anyanwu has publicly disavowed the dissolution, confirming no legitimate meeting occurred to sanction it.” The leadership dispute continues amid the visible reminders of Governor Eno’s former party affiliation.
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