Anxiety in PDP as Akwa Ibom Governor Hints at Defection Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is grappling with growing internal unrest following comments made by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, suggesting a possible exit from the party. Eno’s remarks, delivered at a constituency meeting, have ignited panic among party loyalists and prompted appeals from high-ranking members to reconsider his stance.

PDP as a “Faulty Aircraft”: Eno Sparks Political Tension

Governor Umo Eno stunned political observers Tuesday evening when he likened the PDP to a “faulty aircraft,” implying the party was no longer fit to deliver on its promises ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking during a town hall meeting at QIC Central School, Ikot Akpankuk, in Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency, Eno 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?”

He continued, “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.”

The statement has been widely interpreted as a veiled hint at a looming defection, coming just days after Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his allies left the PDP for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Eno’s analogy has triggered intense speculation about his political future and the growing uncertainty within the PDP fold.

“Don’t Flee—Fight!”: PDP Urges Eno to Stay the Course

The PDP’s national leadership reacted swiftly to the governor’s comments, urging him to remain committed to the party and champion democratic reforms rather than jump ship. Timothy Osadolor, Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, said Eno owed the party a debt of loyalty, having been nurtured politically under its umbrella for over two decades.

Describing the governor’s remarks as “deeply disappointing,” Osadolor added, “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 Governor Eno intends to offer for his defection.”

He continued, “This is a governor who has been with the PDP for over 25 years. Now, because of fear, he considers jumping ship, ahead of the 2027 elections.” Osadolor further urged Eno to use his platform as governor of an oil-rich state to drive electoral reforms, rather than abandon a party he helped build.

While reaffirming PDP’s commitment to reclaiming public trust, Osadolor emphasized that the party was undergoing reforms aimed at winning the confidence of Nigerians once again.

Mixed Signals from PDP Leadership in Akwa Ibom and South-South Zone

At the state level, the Akwa Ibom Peoples Democratic Party appears divided over Governor Eno’s stance. The party chairman in the state, Elder Aniekan Akpan, distanced himself from any knowledge of the governor’s defection plans. Speaking to reporters, Akpan said:

“I am not aware of any concluded plans to join the APC. The governor made an analogy. Like you are interpreting it, somebody else may interpret it to mean something else.”

Similarly, South-South Zonal Caretaker Chairman of the PDP, Chief Emma Ogidi, struck a more philosophical tone, saying, “He is entitled to his comment. You know it is difficult to understand human beings these days.”

Their comments, while measured, reflect an unease within the PDP’s regional structures. Many are watching closely to see whether Eno’s rhetoric will translate into action, especially as the 2027 general elections inch closer.

“He’s Joining Us Soon”—APC Confirms Ongoing Talks with Eno

The All Progressives Congress (APC), on the other hand, welcomed Eno’s criticisms of the PDP as a sign that he is on his way out. APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, said Eno’s public endorsement of President Bola Tinubu and his recent comments indicate an inevitable defection.

Basiru said, “If somebody openly criticises his political party, you should know that he is leaving them. He has publicly said he will support Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in 2027.”

While he refused to disclose whether the APC had initiated discussions with the Akwa Ibom governor, he added suggestively, “You know I won’t tell you but I know he is joining our party very soon.” The APC appears eager to absorb more Peoples Democratic Party governors as part of its consolidation strategy ahead of the next election cycle.

PDP Not Shaken, Ready to Reclaim Power — Baraje

Amid the growing defections and uncertainty, former PDP national chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje, has reassured Nigerians that the party remains a resilient force. Speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show, Baraje dismissed fears of PDP’s decline, arguing that the opposition party is rebuilding and refocusing.

“As far as I’m concerned, whether there are defections or not, the PDP remains a formidable opposition party,” Baraje said. “We’ve put the recent defection of Delta State governor behind us and are looking ahead.”

Baraje acknowledged internal issues but insisted they were being addressed. He emphasized that leadership reforms and a focus on ideological clarity would be central to PDP’s recovery. He also criticized the APC’s record on governance, especially on insecurity and economic instability, saying:

“Things weren’t like this in 2014 or 2015. Had we been given the chance to continue, the situation would not have deteriorated to this extent.”

The veteran politician maintained that the Peoples Democratic Party was best positioned to reverse Nigeria’s current trajectory and hinted that only a strong northern candidate could successfully challenge Tinubu in 2027.