Tinubu’s Bug Bites Umo Eno, Set to Join APC
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has raised eyebrows with his recent statements suggesting that he is poised to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking at a town hall meeting in the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency, the governor made it clear that his defection was imminent, likening the PDP to a malfunctioning aircraft incapable of achieving his political goals beyond 2027.
In his remarks, Eno shared his disillusionment with the party, implying that the PDP, in its current state, would not be able to support his future political ambitions.
His choice of analogy drew attention, with the governor suggesting that he could no longer remain on a path that he viewed as ultimately unproductive.
This development marks a significant shift in Governor Eno’s political trajectory, coming after months of political maneuvering and public statements.
Earlier in March 2024, Eno welcomed thousands of defectors into the PDP, all while publicly affirming his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Despite his backing for the federal government, Eno made it clear that this stance did not signal any departure from the PDP, insisting that his support for the federal government was a gesture of collaborative governance.
However, speculation about his political future intensified when, in January 2025, Governor Eno found himself at the center of controversy.
He was accused of working behind the scenes to sabotage President Tinubu’s second-term ambitions. Eno swiftly dismissed these claims, calling them politically motivated blackmail designed to tarnish his reputation. He emphasized his commitment to the federal government and denied any involvement in schemes against the president’s reelection efforts.
Despite these denials, Eno’s recent comments and his comparison of the PDP to a damaged aircraft have sparked serious discussions about his political future. His statements signal that he may be preparing to align himself with the All Progressives Congress (APC), a shift that could have significant consequences for the political landscape in Akwa Ibom State and beyond.
As of now, the PDP has yet to officially respond to Eno’s defection plans. Political analysts are closely monitoring the situation, given the potential impact his departure could have on the party’s standing in the state. The move could also reshape the dynamics of Nigerian politics as Eno, once a key player in the PDP, looks set to join forces with the ruling party.
Governor Eno’s decision to leave the PDP is expected to unfold in the coming weeks, with speculation about his next move intensifying. His political future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the governor’s exit from the PDP could mark a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political evolution.
