Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno Hints at PDP Exit, Fuels 2027 Defection Speculation
By Abiola Olawale
Governor Compares PDP to “Faulty Aircraft”
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has dropped strong hints about leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), sparking widespread speculation about a potential move to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a town hall meeting in Ikot Akpankuk, Ukanafun Local Government Area, Governor Eno drew a striking analogy comparing the PDP to an unreliable aircraft.
“If you wanted to travel with Ibom Airline, and on the verge of taking off, it developed a fault that won’t enable it to fly, won’t you board the next available plane to take you to your destination?”
Growing Ties with APC Leadership
The governor’s remarks come amid:
- Increasing internal crises within the PDP
- Recent high-profile defections to the APC
- His public praise for President Tinubu’s infrastructure projects
Eno has particularly commended the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, which includes a significant 65-kilometer section in Akwa Ibom State.
Commitment to Governance Amid Political Speculation
While addressing political future, Governor Eno emphasized his administration’s focus on grassroots engagement:
“We need to meet with the people from time to time to see them. It’s not only during elections that we should come to our people. We also have to come and see you in the course of governance to check your well-being.”
The governor outlined plans to complete constituency visits before budget preparations, ensuring community needs are captured in the 2026 fiscal plan.
Political Context and Recent Defections
This development follows:
- Recent defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to APC
- Movement of former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to the ruling party
- Growing alignment between some PDP governors and the federal government
Governor Eno has consistently emphasized the benefits of collaboration with the federal government, particularly in areas of infrastructure, agriculture, and healthcare development for Akwa Ibom residents.
All credit goes to the original article. For more information, read the source.
