Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has raised speculations about a possible political realignment after openly doubting the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) sustainability as a platform for his political ambitions after 2027.
Speaking at a constituency outreach meeting on Tuesday in Ikot Akpankuk, Ukanafun Local Government Area, the governor compared the PDP to a faulty aircraft, implying that he might consider boarding a “different plane” to reach his political destination—an analogy that many interpret as a hint at defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“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, wouldn’t you board the next available plane to take you to your destination?” Eno asked, speaking to a large crowd at the Town Square meeting for the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency.
His words come as the PDP faces rising internal dissension and instability, compounded by recent defections, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the APC.
Despite highlighting worries about the PDP’s future, Eno urged his followers to remain committed to his administration’s goals, emphasising that service delivery is his primary priority.
As part of the interaction, the governor handed out empowerment gifts to nearly 400 citizens. The distribution includes Traders and Farmers Grants, significant MSME assistance, and equipment support.
Specifically, 154 traders received grants, 116 farmers were supported, four people earned ₦5 million each for company growth, and 131 received equipment support.
Eno urged beneficiaries to use the monies wisely and warned against participating in Ponzi schemes or other unproductive activities.
“We need to meet with the people from time to time. Governance doesn’t end at elections,” he said.
“We’re here to listen, to assess your needs, and to let you know what we’ve done and what we plan to do.”
Eno also revealed that the administration has already covered four of the state’s ten federal constituencies in this engagement campaign and that all will be completed in time to include their demands in the 2026 budget.
“We will review your requests and prioritise based on available resources. What we can’t do now will be considered in future budgets,” he added. “This government belongs to the people—it is for you, with you, and by you.”
