- Governor Umo Eno confirmed he would soon leave the PDP, likening it to a faulty aircraft that could no longer take him to his political destination
- His remarks, made at a townsquare meeting, sparked speculation that he would join the APC ahead of the 2027 elections, following a trend of defections
- Eno’s impending defection marks another significant blow to the PDP, which is grappling with declining influence in Nigerian politics
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has confirmed growing speculation that he will soon leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing the party's dwindling capacity to help him achieve his political aspirations.
Speaking on Tuesday, April 29, during the Town Square meeting of the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency, held at QIC Central School, Ikot Akpankuk, Eno likened the PDP to a faulty aircraft, suggesting it could no longer carry him to his "next destination."
“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?” the governor asked his supporters.
The remarks come amid mounting rumours that Eno is preparing to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Though he did not explicitly mention the APC, the analogy was widely interpreted as a signal of an impending switch.
This follows a wave of high-profile defections from the PDP, including that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who recently joined the APC along with a number of supporters, citing the move as being in the best interest of his people.
Governor Eno's potential departure marks another significant blow to the PDP, which has been battling internal divisions and dwindling influence in recent months.
We remain strong, defectors will return, PDP forum predicts
Meanwhile, TheRadar reported that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Forum of Former Speakers forecast the return of several politicians who left the party in recent years to join other political platforms.
The forum reiterated that the PDP remains the most widely accepted, well-organised, and best-positioned party to tackle Nigeria's challenges.
