THURSDAY May 1, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng

The last may not have been heard regarding the wave of defections hitting the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, late Tuesday, hinted at a possible defection, ahead of the 2027 general elections, likening his party (PDP) to a faulty aircraft, just as his comments elicited jitters and entreaties from PDP stalwarts, Vanguard newspaper reports.

The governor’s remarks followed a wave of defections from the PDP, with his Delta State counterpart, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, moving to the APC along with his supporters.

Governor Eno’s comments elicited mixed reactions from his party and the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday.
While the PDP urged the governor to remain in the party and fight for democracy, the APC assured that Eno would soon join its fold.

This came as a chieftain of the PDP, Chief Dele Momodu, said only a formidable northern candidate could effectively challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

Similarly, former chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje, reaffirmed the party’s resilience and readiness to reclaim power in the 2027 general elections, despite the wave of recent defections and internal challenges.

Governor Eno, who hinted at his possible defection from the PDP, said the party is now fragmented and risks grinding to a halt before the 2027 elections.

The governor, who spoke at the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency town square meeting held at QIC Central School, Ikot Akpankuk, said: “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?

“Whether Ibom Air or Air Peace, board the flight ready to take you to your destination. Board the flight and forget the name of the airline. What Akwa Ibom people want is good governance, not the party’s name.”

He urged the people of Akwa Ibom to remain steadfast in their support for his administration and its commitment to delivering on campaign promises.

Reacting to the governor’s hint of leaving its fold, the PDP, yesterday, urged Governor Eno to prioritise electoral reforms, rather than defecting to the APC.

The Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Mr Timothy Osadolor, in a chat with Vanguard, described the governor’s potential defection as “very, very unfortunate.”

Osadolor, who faulted the move, stressed that Governor Eno, who has benefited from the PDP for over 25 years, has a moral responsibility to advocate the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system.

He said: “When you assume that people possess integrity, class, and substance, it is deeply disappointing to discover they are, in fact, merely small men in over-sized 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.”

Expressing disappointment in Eno’s reported plans, the PDP leader said: “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.

“Now, because of fear, he considers jumping ship, ahead of the 2027 elections.”

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 electoral justice.

Speaking further, he said: ”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 to demand credible electoral reforms and ensure the 2027 elections are truly democratic and transparent.

“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.

When contacted, the PDP chairman in Akwa Ibom State, Elder Aniekan Akpan, said he is not aware of plans by the state chapter to join the APC.

Akpan said: “I am not aware of any concluded plans to APC, so plans have not been concluded. I’m not the one that made the statement. The governor made an analogy. Like you are interpreting it, somebody else may interpret it to mean something else.”

Speaking on the planned defection, the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee Chairman of the PDP, Chief Emma Ogidi, said: “He is entitled to his comment. You know it is difficult to understand human beings these days.”

However, expressing readiness to welcome the governor, the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, confirmed the move by the Akwa Ibom governor, saying he will join the APC soon.