By Abiola Olawale
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has hinted plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), sparking speculation about a potential defection 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 of Akwa Ibom, Eno likened the PDP to a “faulty aircraft” incapable of carrying him to his political destination in 2027.
“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?” Eno rhetorically asked the crowd, hinting at his readiness to switch parties.
He continued: “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 see our people. We also have to come and see you in the course of governance to check your well-being, to listen to you, and to tell you what we have done and what we are planning to do.
This is the fourth federal constituency we have visited. We have six more to go, and we will finish all in time for the budget department to capture the needs in the 2026 budget.
“We will go through your requests and tell you the ones we have decided to do, based on available funds. We might not be able to do all, but whatever is left we will add to subsequent budgets.
“We will always work with the people because this government is of the people, for the people, and by the people,” he stated.
The governor’s remarks come amid growing internal crises within the PDP, including leadership disputes and factional struggles.
Recall that last week, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the immediate past governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, among several others from the PDP defected to the APC.
Also, the governor’s openness about leaving the PDP follows his praise for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s infrastructure projects, notably the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which includes a 65-kilometer section in Akwa Ibom.
Eno has repeatedly emphasized collaboration with the federal government, citing benefits like improved roads, agriculture, and healthcare for Akwa Ibom residents.
