Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has hinted at a possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the PDP as a faulty aircraft no longer capable of reaching its destination.
In a bold political statement that could reshape the power dynamics in Nigeria’s South-South region, especially Akwa Ibom State, Governor Eno compared the PDP to a grounded plane and suggested that he may soon board a more “reliable flight” ahead of the 2027 general elections. His remarks came amid a wave of high-profile defections from the PDP, the latest being Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who recently defected to the APC with hundreds of supporters.
Speaking at a constituency meeting on Tuesday at QIC Central School, Ikot Akpankuk, in Ukanafun Local Government Area, the governor told a massive crowd that staying with a non-functional party structure could jeopardise his political future. Using a vivid analogy, Eno asked, “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, wouldn’t you board the next available plane to take you to your destination?”
As the crowd erupted in a chorus of “No!”, he continued, “Board a flight, disregard the name of the plane. Go to Lagos if you have business you want to do. When Ibom Air is fixed and you want to fly another day, you can fly with them. But if you have important business, board the available plane and fly.”
Though he stopped short of confirming a specific timeline, his comments have fueled speculation that Akwa Ibom may soon witness a major political shift. Governor Eno urged his constituents to remain committed to the vision of his administration while acknowledging that critical political decisions may be necessary in the months ahead.
In the same event, the governor rolled out a massive empowerment initiative that benefited over 400 constituents. A total of 154 traders received financial grants, 116 farmers got agriculture support, four entrepreneurs were awarded N5 million each under the MSME Grant, while 131 others received equipment to boost their businesses. Governor Eno advised the beneficiaries to avoid squandering the funds on ponzi schemes or non-productive ventures, urging them to use the resources to improve their livelihoods.
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“We must engage with our people beyond election seasons. This administration is committed to grassroots engagement, community listening, and delivering real impact. Governance must not be a once-in-four-years affair,” he said.
The unfolding political uncertainty within the PDP, particularly in Akwa Ibom, has raised concerns among party loyalists. A source close to the party revealed that Governor Eno’s hesitation stems from the existence of two factional secretaries within the PDP, creating ambiguity over whose signature would validate his second-term nomination in 2027. “Imagine if one faction signs its nomination form, and a court later rules it illegal. That would nullify his candidacy,” the source explained.
If Governor Eno eventually defects, he would become the first sitting governor in Akwa Ibom’s democratic history to leave the PDP, a party often regarded as a political “religion” in the oil-rich state since 1999.
With 2027 fast approaching and internal party fractures worsening, all eyes are now on Uyo to see whether Pastor Umo Eno will take the final step away from a party he once described as home.
