- Don’t Flee, We’re Putting Our House In Order — PDP
- Come On Board, Our Plane Is Fit, Ready To Fly — APC
By Kolawole Ojebisi
Hours after Governor Umo Eno of Akwa-Ibom State hinted at his possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the two political parties have started making frantic moves to ensure the governor’s final decision is in their favour.
This is as PDP urged Eno to prioritize electoral reforms rather than defecting to another party, likely the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Vanguard on Wednesday night, Timothy Osadolor, the Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, described Eno’s potential defection as “very, very, very unfortunate.”
He emphasized that the governor should instead focus on championing reforms such as the Intelligent Result Viewing Portal (iREV) and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), both of which are key to enhancing transparency in the electoral process.
“When you assume that people possess integrity, class, and substance, it is deeply disappointing to discover they are, in fact, merely small men in oversized clothes and big shoes. There’s a real sense of disillusionment when those you once held in high regard turn out to be far less impressive. I wonder what justification the governor of Akwa Ibom State intends to offer for his defection,” Osadolor remarked, voicing his disappointment in Eno’s reported plans.
This appeal comes amid speculation that Governor Eno may be seeking to avoid potential electoral manipulation in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Osadolor noted that Eno, who has long been a member of the PDP, appears to be contemplating defection out of fear of being “rigged out” in the next elections.
“In truth, this is a governor who has been with the PDP for over 25 years—one who has been given countless opportunities to leave a lasting mark in our democratic history. And now, because of fear, he considers jumping ship ahead of the 2027 elections,” Osadolor added.
Osadolor urged Governor Eno to reflect on the legacy he wishes to leave behind, and to leverage his position as governor of an oil-rich state to advocate for electoral justice.
“I call on the governor to reconsider. He has the opportunity to leave a legacy that will be remembered by future generations. As a powerful governor, he should rally Nigerians in demanding credible electoral reforms and ensuring the 2027 elections are truly democratic and transparent,” he stated.
Despite the current wave of defections, Osadolor expressed confidence in the PDP’s resilience, asserting that the party would emerge even stronger.
He emphasized that the PDP is actively working to reconnect with the Nigerian people and prepare for the elections ahead, focusing on delivering a compelling narrative and policy programme to win support.
“Rest assured, the PDP is putting its house in order and is fully engaged in this process. Our goal is not just to win governorship seats, but to reconnect with Nigerians. Ultimately, it is the message and vision we present to the people that will determine our success at the polls,” he further said.
Meanwhile, Eno’s potential defection is music to the ruling party’s ear. This is as APC assured the Akwa-Ibom helmsman that the party is well-structured and fully prepared for progress.
APC also claimed that the PDP is no longer functional or reliable.
In a statement on Wednesday, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, likened the party’s leaders to skilled pilots and crew—competent, hospitable, detail-oriented, and ready to serve.
The statement read in part, “The All Progressives Congress notes the musing of His Excellency, Umo Eno, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, that likened the Peoples Democratic Party to a faulty aeroplane, incapable of taking safely to the skies, creating an imperative to seek an alternative flight onward.
“We couldn’t agree more that Plane PDP has become demonstrably inoperable and unsafe for travel.
“As safety and comfort are prerequisite conditions for flying, our great Party assures the Governor that Plane APC is fit and ready to fly His Excellency and his entourage to their desired destination.
“Our pilots and crew are highly competent, welcoming, attentive to detail, and on standby to serve.
“We assure Governor Eno that a flight with us will be a mighty good ride to remember.”
Recall that the gale of defections recently hitting the PDP apparently turned to a hurricane when on April 23, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, accompanied by his predecessor and PDP’s 2023 vice presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, along with other elected officials from the state, officially joined the APC.
A week later, Akwa Ibom State Governor hinted that his defection from the PDP to another political party is imminent.
Eno, indirectly referring to the PDP, stated, “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?”
His musings prompted a response from the APC, assuring Eno that joining their party would be an unforgettable journey.
