Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno’s Potential PDP Exit: Political Crisis and Reactions
Uyo, Nigeria – April 30, 2025
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has intensified speculation about defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by likening the party to a “faulty aircraft” incapable of advancing his political ambitions beyond 2027. The remarks, made at a town hall meeting in Ukanafun Local Government Area on Tuesday, come amid a wave of PDP defections, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s recent move to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Key Statements and Political Metaphor
- Aircraft Analogy:
- Eno asked supporters: “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?”.
- The metaphor is widely interpreted as a signal of his intent to join the APC, described as the “next available plane” for his political future.
- PDP’s Decline: Eno cited the party’s internal disunity and instability, worsened by recent defections, as justification for his potential exit.
Empowerment Programs Amid Defection Rumors
- Grassroots Support: During the town hall, Eno distributed empowerment packages to over 400 constituents, including business grants, vehicles, and farming tools.
- Governance Focus: He emphasized that service delivery remains his priority, urging supporters to stay committed to his administration’s goals.
PDP’s Response and Criticism
- Timothy Osadolor (PDP Deputy National Youth Leader):
- Called Eno’s planned defection “a betrayal of trust,” noting his 25-year PDP membership.
- Urged Eno to champion electoral reforms (e.g., BVAS, iREV) instead of defecting: “He should demand credible elections, not flee to the APC”.
- Moral Responsibility: Osadolor criticized Eno for prioritizing political survival over democratic accountability, stating, “Defecting won’t absolve anyone of corruption”.
APC’s Momentum and Political Implications
- Defection Wave: Delta Governor Oborevwori’s move to the APC has emboldened the ruling party’s South-South expansion.
- Opposition Erosion: Eno’s exit would reduce PDP governors to four, weakening its national relevance ahead of 2027.
- 2027 Calculations: Analysts suggest Eno aims to align with President Tinubu’s re-election bid for federal support.
Expert Analysis and Broader Context
- Kola Ologbondiyan (PDP Chieftain):
- Downplayed the defection crisis, predicting an “implosion” in the APC due to internal bloc rivalries.
- Argued that PDP’s challenges are temporary, while APC faces existential threats from factions like the CPC bloc.
- Public Backlash: Critics accuse Eno of abandoning the party that facilitated his rise, calling it “political opportunism”.
