In the evolving political landscape of Akwa Ibom State, recent developments have reignited debates about party loyalty, political identity, and the future of governance in the region. For decades, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has held sway, not only as the ruling party but as a political institution deeply woven into the fabric of the state’s history and leadership structure. To some, PDP is more than a party, it is an article of faith, a symbol of continuity, and a guarantor of stability. As such, any perceived departure from its fold is viewed by loyalists as political heresy or outright betrayal.
However, the narrative is beginning to shift. His Excellency Governor Umo Eno is leading an unprecedented number of political actors and stakeholders to declare allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC), challenging the longstanding dominance of the PDP. While the media space is flooded with emotionally charged rhetoric, ranging from warnings of doom to accusations of disloyalty, even by people who have no interest in the affairs of the State, it is crucial to locate the perspective of the relationship between the Party (PDP) and the State in substance rather than sentiment.
In Akwa Ibom, PDP’s uninterrupted control since the return to democracy in 1999 has created a perception of invincibility. Generations of leaders, appointments, and political legacies have been built within its fold. This long history has contributed to the party’s identity becoming interwoven with the political psyche of the people. As a result, for many, political relevance and legitimacy seem to stem almost exclusively from PDP affiliation – any body who has held a political appointment or won an election has done so under the PDP – there lies the perception!
