‘Board the Working Plane’: Eno Suggests Imminent Move from PDP to APC

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has intensified speculations of his potential defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), using a carefully crafted analogy to prepare his supporters for the move.

During a Town Hall meeting in Ukanafun Federal Constituency on Tuesday, the governor likened political alignment to choosing between two aircraft—one faulty and the other functional—when faced with urgent travel. Speaking in Ibibio and acknowledging the APC deputy chairperson in attendance, Mr Eno posed a rhetorical question to the crowd: if you were traveling from Uyo to Lagos and found that Ibom Air had developed a fault while Air Peace was ready to fly, would you still wait for Ibom Air to be fixed? The crowd responded with a resounding “No,” to which the governor replied, “Board a flight, disregard the name of the plane. Go to Lagos if you have business you want to do.”

Mr Eno’s endorsement of President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio for a second term had already sparked rumours of his imminent departure from the PDP. The party has been mired in internal crises, including a power struggle and legal battles, leading to growing disillusionment among its members. The governor’s remarks signal a strategic move to align with the ruling APC, a party he implied could better deliver governance to Akwa Ibom people, regardless of political labels.

The PDP has ruled Akwa Ibom since 1999 and is often described by loyalists as a political “religion” in the state. If Mr Eno defects, he will become the first sitting governor of the state to leave the PDP for the APC. A source close to the governor said concerns over the party’s fractured leadership, particularly the uncertainty around which factional secretary might sign his nomination form for re-election, is a major factor in his decision.

Last week, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori officially joined the APC with his cabinet, council chairpersons, and predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa—just months after Okowa faced questioning from the EFCC. Mr Eno’s predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, was similarly quizzed over fraud allegations last month. Mr Eno dismissed the allegations but remarked that every outgoing governor should expect similar treatment.

While Governor Eno has not formally announced a defection, his latest comments appear to be a clear signal of what may come.