Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom Governor

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has sparked political speculation after dropping strong hints of a possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing his current party—the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—as a “spoilt plane” that may no longer be able to take him to his political destination come 2027.

Addressing a large crowd at the Town Square meeting of the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency on Tuesday, held at QIC Central School, Ikot Akpankuk, the governor voiced deep concerns about the PDP’s internal crisis, hinting that its dwindling structure may soon collapse entirely.

“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?” Governor Eno asked rhetorically, drawing loud reactions from the audience.

His remarks come on the heels of recent defections from the PDP, including that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who recently moved to the APC with a large group of supporters. Eno’s comments have further fueled speculation about a broader wave of defections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Despite the political undertones, the governor used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to grassroots development. Over 400 constituents received various empowerment packages, including business grants, cars, and essential equipment.

A breakdown of the distribution revealed that 154 people received Traders Grants, 116 were given Farmers Grants, four beneficiaries got N5 million each under the MSME Grant scheme, while 131 others benefited from the Equipment Support Initiative.

He advised the beneficiaries to use the resources wisely and avoid falling into ponzi schemes or diverting the funds for unintended purposes.

“We need to meet with the people from time to time to see them. It’s not only during elections that we should come to see our people,” Governor Eno said. “We also have to come and see you in the course of governance—to check your wellbeing, to listen to you, tell you what we have done, and what we are planning to do.”

The governor added that the ongoing constituency tour had reached its fourth stop, with six more to go, promising that all legitimate community requests would be considered for inclusion in the 2026 state budget.

“We will go through your requests and tell you the ones we have decided to do, based on available funds,” he said. “We might not be able to do all, but whatever is left we will add to subsequent budgets. We will always work with the people because this government is of the people, for the people, and by the people.”

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