In a statement that is currently reverberating across Nigeria’s political spectrum, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will complete eight years in office, sparking widespread reactions across party lines.
Governor Umo Eno, elected under the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the declaration on Tuesday during the flag-off ceremony of the Akwa Ibom section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. The event, attended by top government officials and stakeholders, was meant to mark progress on one of the Tinubu administration’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.
But instead of sticking to his party’s traditional narrative, Governor Eno made a bold political pronouncement that many are interpreting as an endorsement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its standard-bearer for the 2027 general election.
“Tinubu Needs Continuity to Complete Ongoing Projects” — Umo Eno
According to Governor Eno, the Lagos-Calabar coastal project is too significant to be disrupted by a change in leadership in 2027. He argued that only Tinubu’s continued presidency can guarantee the project’s successful execution.
“This project is of national importance,” Eno stated. “It is better for President Tinubu to continue so he can complete it. If another person comes in 2027, they may abandon it, and that will be a great loss.”
This single statement has raised serious political questions. Is Eno breaking ranks with the PDP? Or is this a case of regional interest superseding party politics? Either way, the governor’s message was clear: in his view, Nigeria needs continuity, not change, at least for now.
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A Political Earthquake Within the PDP
Governor Eno’s comment has left many PDP members and supporters in shock. While the party has not issued an official statement, insiders describe the governor’s remarks as “irresponsible” and “dangerously out of sync” with the party’s national strategy.
The PDP, still reeling from its 2023 electoral loss, has been regrouping and planning a strong comeback in 2027. A major pillar of that strategy is presenting the Tinubu administration as ineffective and disconnected. Governor Eno’s public endorsement of the incumbent president directly undermines that narrative.
Political analysts are already warning that the party may be heading for a major internal crisis, especially if other PDP governors begin to follow Eno’s lead in pursuit of federal support for state projects.
Governor Eno: Pragmatism or Political Realignment?
This is not the first time a politician from the opposition has supported a sitting president from the ruling party. However, the timing, tone, and context of Eno’s remarks have amplified their impact.
Observers believe the governor is trying to secure greater federal attention for Akwa Ibom State. By aligning with the Tinubu administration, Eno could be ensuring that major federal infrastructure investments, including the Lagos-Calabar Highway, are not stalled due to political differences.
Others suggest that this could be an early sign of a political realignment ahead of 2027. With several prominent PDP figures rumored to be contemplating defection, Eno’s comment might not be an isolated incident but part of a broader shift.
A Boost for Tinubu Amidst Growing Criticism
President Tinubu’s administration has faced mixed reactions since taking office in May 2023. While some applaud his bold reforms, including the fuel subsidy removal and currency unification, others have criticized his economic policies for worsening inflation and unemployment.
Governor Eno’s unexpected endorsement comes at a time when the president is struggling to maintain popular support, particularly among young voters and civil society groups. This rare show of cross-party support is likely to be used by the APC as proof that Tinubu’s leadership is gaining traction, even beyond party lines.
Already, several APC leaders have commended Governor Eno for his “maturity” and “nationalistic thinking,” with some urging other PDP governors to follow suit.
Public Reactions: Divided Opinions Across Nigeria
Nigerians are sharply divided over Governor Eno’s endorsement. On social media, the hashtags #UmoEno, #Tinubu2027, and #PDPUnity have been trending since Tuesday.
Some users hailed the governor as a “true statesman” who is putting the nation above politics. Others accused him of betraying the PDP mandate and failing to represent the interests of his party’s supporters.
A user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:
“If Umo Eno wants to join APC, he should just say so. Don’t hide under projects to endorse a failed government.”
Meanwhile, another user countered:
“This is what we need — unity and development. Enough of bitter politics. Eno has my respect.”
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: A Game-Changer or Political Gimmick?
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is a multi-trillion naira undertaking that aims to connect Nigeria’s coastal cities, boost trade, tourism, and reduce travel time. According to the Minister of Works, the project will span over 700 kilometers and is expected to create over 100,000 jobs.
However, critics argue that the project is being used as a political tool to shore up support in the South-South region. The timing of the flag-off and Governor Eno’s statements seem to support this theory.
Yet, for many in Akwa Ibom and other coastal states, the highway represents real hope for economic transformation — provided it is completed.
What This Means for 2027: Early Signs of a New Political Order
While the 2027 general election is still over two years away, Governor Eno’s comments are a significant political signal. They raise important questions:
- Will more opposition governors begin to publicly support President Tinubu?
- Is the PDP losing grip on its own political figures?
- Could this spark a new alliance between moderate PDP governors and the APC?
Political strategists believe that the battle for 2027 may not be between clearly defined party lines, but between ideological camps — those favoring continuity versus those demanding change.
A Defining Moment for Nigeria’s Democracy?
Governor Umo Eno’s public support for President Tinubu’s second term is more than a mere soundbite — it is a bold political statement that challenges party orthodoxy and redefines political loyalty in Nigeria.
Whether driven by pragmatism, regional interest, or personal political ambition, Eno’s message has reshaped the national conversation. The implications for PDP unity, Tinubu’s re-election bid, and the 2027 elections cannot be overstated.
As Nigerians digest this development, one thing is clear: the road to 2027 has officially begun, and it promises to be one of the most unpredictable and consequential in the country’s democratic history.
