‘I can’t join APC’: Akwa Ibom commissioner resigns after governor’s defection

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Ini Ememobong, has resigned from his position.

The commissioner made his resignation known shortly after Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday, June 6, 2025.

Ememobong, in a letter, said: “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.

Finally, Akwa Ibom governor dumps PDP for APC

“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.”

Weeks before the announcement, Eno had disclosed his intention to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (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 had said.

The Star