Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has stirred political speculation after casting doubt on the future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a viable platform for his political journey beyond 2027.
Speaking during a constituency outreach in Ikot Akpankuk, Ukanafun Local Government Area on Tuesday, Governor Eno likened the PDP to a grounded aircraft, suggesting he might consider “boarding another plane” to continue his political voyage—a metaphor widely seen as a signal of potential defection, possibly to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“If you were about to board Ibom Air and it developed a fault that made flying impossible, wouldn’t you take the next available plane to reach your destination?” the governor asked a crowd gathered for the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency town hall.
His comments come amid increasing unease within the PDP, which has been grappling with internal rifts and a string of defections, including that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the APC.
While expressing concern about the PDP’s current trajectory, Governor Eno urged his supporters to stay focused on the administration’s development agenda, stressing that governance and service delivery remain his priorities.
As part of the outreach, the governor rolled out empowerment initiatives benefiting over 400 constituents. These included grants for traders and farmers, MSME funding, and equipment support.
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Breakdown of the packages included 154 traders receiving financial grants, 116 farmers supported, four individuals receiving N5 million each for business growth, and 131 beneficiaries equipped with tools and machinery to boost productivity.
Eno cautioned recipients against misusing the funds, warning them to avoid Ponzi schemes and invest only in ventures that would yield lasting economic benefits.
“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 disclosed that four out of the state’s ten federal constituencies have been covered in the ongoing engagement drive, assuring that all constituencies would be reached in time to reflect their needs in the 2026 budget.
“We will review your requests and prioritize 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.”
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