Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has intensified speculation about his possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by likening the party to a “spoilt plane” that can no longer safely carry him to his political destination in the 2027 elections. Speaking at a constituency outreach meeting in Ikot Akpankuk, Ukanafun Local Government Area, Eno questioned the viability of the PDP as a platform for his political ambitions, suggesting he might consider boarding a different “plane” - widely interpreted as a move toward the ruling 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, won’t you board the next available plane to take you to your destination?” Eno asked the crowd, underscoring his doubts about the PDP’s capacity to deliver progress.
His remarks come amid a wave of defections from the PDP, including the recent exit of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the APC, further exposing internal disunity and instability within Nigeria’s main opposition party. The APC has responded by assuring Eno that their party is “fit and ready to fly” and welcomed him to join their ranks, promising a “mighty good ride to remember.”
Despite his criticism of the PDP, Governor Eno urged his supporters to remain committed to his administration’s development agenda, emphasizing continued service delivery as a priority. Meanwhile, PDP officials have appealed to him to stay and focus on electoral reforms rather than defecting, describing the potential exit as “very unfortunate.”
Eno’s comments signal growing dissatisfaction among southern PDP governors and add to the mounting challenges facing the party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
