Governor cites disunity, governance risks, and fear of anti-party accusations for defection
In a major political shake-up, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has officially announced his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing persistent internal crises and the need to openly support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu without the burden of anti-party allegations.
“I’m Leaving the PDP” — Eno Declares in Viral Video
In a video that surfaced online Friday, Governor Eno delivered a blunt message:
“It’s no longer news that I’m leaving the party. If you don’t know that by now, then I don’t know what else you know.”
He described the PDP’s disunity at the national level as a fundamental threat to electoral victory and stable governance, noting that his continued stay in the party had become “untenable.”
Leadership Crisis and Legal Pitfalls
Governor Eno expressed concern over repeated setbacks suffered by PDP candidates due to internal leadership disputes:
“You win elections and still lose because the wrong person signed your INEC form. I’m not going to be stupid to keep doing that.”
According to Eno, unresolved factionalism has led to costly legal battles and disqualifications, undermining the hard work of grassroots mobilization and campaign efforts.
Support for Tinubu, Not Anti-Party
Governor Eno justified his open support for President Tinubu, stating:
“I support this president. I don’t know how to mince words. But I can’t remain in PDP and support a president from another party—that’s anti-party.”
He argued that President Tinubu inherited rather than created the nation’s economic challenges, and deserves bipartisan support.
Comparison to Wike, But “I’m Not That Strong”
The governor referenced FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, a PDP stalwart serving in a ruling APC administration, but admitted he lacked the political strength to emulate Wike’s path:
“I don’t have the strength Wike has to confront anybody. I’m a simple man by nature.”
No Party Ideology, Only Development
Governor Eno criticized Nigeria’s political landscape for its lack of ideological clarity:
“No party in this country has clear ideological differences. I challenge anyone to a debate on that.”
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the “Arise Agenda,” a development-focused blueprint, rather than party loyalty.
Impact on Akwa Ibom and South-South Politics
The governor’s defection is expected to reshape political alignments in Akwa Ibom State, and may trigger a wave of defections across the South-South geopolitical zone.
Political analysts suggest that Eno’s move could embolden other governors and lawmakers disillusioned with PDP’s internal strife.
PDP Yet to Respond Officially
As of the time of this report, the PDP’s national leadership, led by Ambassador Umar Damagum, has not issued an official statement on Governor Eno’s departure.
The development, however, adds to mounting pressure on the party’s interim leadership to resolve its national crisis and regain confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
What you should know
Governor Umo Eno’s defection marks a significant loss for the PDP and a potential strategic win for President Tinubu’s camp. It underscores growing dissatisfaction within the opposition ranks and reflects broader shifts in Nigeria’s post-election political landscape.
