IKOT AKPANKUK, Nigeria – Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, signalled a possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the party as a “faulty aircraft” that may no longer be capable of delivering good governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency town square meeting at QIC Central School in Ikot Akpankuk, Eno told constituents that performance, not party label, should be the priority for voters.
“What Akwa Ibom people want is good governance, not the name of the party,” he 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 that is ready to take you to your destination.”
The governor’s remarks come amid growing defections from the PDP, most recently by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and several of his key political allies, who officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) earlier this week.
Eno stopped short of declaring a switch to the APC or another party, but his aviation metaphor was widely interpreted as a thinly veiled reference to the instability plaguing the PDP at both national and regional levels.
“The PDP is fragmented,” Eno added. “It is at risk of grinding to a halt before 2027.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the PDP, Eno called on residents to continue supporting his administration and its development agenda.
During the event, he distributed empowerment packages to more than 400 constituents, including business grants, vehicles, and other support items aimed at stimulating economic activity in the area.
Meanwhile, the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) met in Abuja on Monday to discuss the wave of defections that has rattled the party’s ranks in recent weeks.
Acting National Chairman Umar Damagun announced that the party’s national legal adviser had been directed to take legal steps to challenge the defection of Oborevwori and others.
