Akwa Ibom Politics Heats Up: Governor Umo Eno Considers APC Defection

 

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has sparked fresh political speculation after subtly hinting at a possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing his current party as a "faulty plane" unlikely to take him to his 2027 destination.

Speaking at a recent political gathering in the state, the governor didn't mince words while expressing his concern over the state of the PDP. Using aviation as a metaphor perhaps a nod to Akwa Ibom’s pride, Ibom Air Eno said:

"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?"

The comment comes on the heels of a wave of defections from the PDP, the most recent being Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who defected to the APC with a large group of supporters.

Eno’s remarks suggest that he, too, may be considering jumping ship as the 2027 general elections draw nearer. His statement also follows his open endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s possible second-term bid further fueling the rumors of a looming defection.

Insiders believe the governor's comments reflect growing disillusionment within the opposition camp, which many see as fragmented and struggling for direction.

While Governor Eno hasn’t officially declared a move, his words leave little doubt that political tides may soon shift in Akwa Ibom potentially realigning the state with the center of power in Abuja.