Editorial!
In recent months, speculation has intensified in Akwa Ibom State regarding Governor Pastor Umo Eno’s potential defection to the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC), despite his election to office under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Unlike typical responses from government officials who quickly address and dispel such rumors to mitigate public concern, Governor Eno has chosen to remain silent on the matter, raising eyebrows among constituents and political observers alike.
This silence has not occurred in a vacuum; it coincides with a noticeable and growing rapport between Governor Eno and prominent figures within the APC. Notably, since assuming office, the Governor has positioned Senate President Godswill Akpabio as a central figure in his political and administrative endeavors, frequently praising him and referring to him as his political grandfather. This relationship has led many to question the implications it may have for Eno’s allegiance to the PDP.
Moreover, recent developments have further fueled the speculation. Governor Eno openly expressed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, even prior to any formal announcement from the President regarding his intentions. Such a declaration could be perceived as an indication of an anti-party stance, suggesting that the Governor might prioritize support for the APC candidate over any potential PDP nominee. This situation raises the question of whether there are undisclosed factors at play, such as a hypothetical shift of President Tinubu to the PDP before the 2027 elections.
In a recent public address in Akwa Ibom State, Governor Eno remarked, “These things we can negotiate instead of using the state resources to fight. Otherwise, when you become the Governor, you play this politics your own style; this is my own style.” This comment further hints at a willingness to engage in political maneuvering that may align more closely with APC interests, leaving the public to speculate about his intentions.
As the political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, the internal discord within the PDP at the national level only exacerbates concerns among Akwa Ibom residents. There is a palpable fear among the populace that Pastor Umo Eno may ultimately relinquish control of a state that has long been synonymous with PDP dominance to the APC, a party once viewed with skepticism by many in the region. Akwa Ibom people describe PDP as a religion, priding themselves in having PDP dominance since 1999 without a blink till Umo Eno’s election via the same party against all odds.
The questions surrounding Governor Eno’s potential defection are pressing: Is he indeed planning to join the APC? Why has he not addressed these rumors directly? And should the people of Akwa Ibom view this situation as a matter of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’? As the political climate shifts, it is imperative that these questions are addressed in the coming days. The people of Akwa Ibom deserve clarity on their Governor’s political intentions and the future direction of the state.
