Governor Umo Eno’s directive compelling his commissioners and political appointees to defect with him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resign seriously undermines democratic values and the constitutional right to freedom of association.
Development Diaries reports that Governor Eno of Akwa Ibom State recently directed all commissioners and political appointees to defect with him from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC or resign from their positions, according to media reports.
Every Nigerian, including public officeholders, has the right to belong to a political party of their choice without coercion or threat.
A sitting governor using executive authority to force others to join their political party weakens the core of democracy and sets a bad example for leaders across the country.
This development also raises serious concerns about the misuse of state power and party structures for personal political ambitions.
Governor Eno’s reported claim that he would still control the PDP structure even after defecting suggests an intent to destabilise party autonomy and suppress legitimate opposition.
Furthermore, such actions weaken internal party democracy and reduce governance to personal loyalty rather than public service, ultimately stifling the kind of robust debate and checks that strengthen democratic institutions.
It is expected that political stakeholders reject this coercive move and insist on accountability.
Most importantly, Governor Eno must be reminded that the priority of leadership is delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Akwa Ibom, not political manoeuvring or partisan threats.
The focus should be on improving healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic opportunities for the people, not forcing loyalty pledges from appointees.
Citizens deserve governance that places their welfare above personal political calculations, especially in a time when many are grappling with economic hardship and insecurity.
Development Diaries calls on Governor Eno to retract his directive.
We also call on the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and oversight bodies such as the Code of Conduct Bureau to urgently investigate these remarks and protect public servants from political intimidation.
Public office is a trust to serve the people, not a personal empire to enforce political allegiance. Holding leaders accountable is vital to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring that political transitions respect the rule of law and constitutional rights.
Photo source: Akwa Ibom State Government
