Umo Eno’s APC Move: A Self-Serving Political Gamble Wrapped in Strategic Deceit
A rising wave of disillusionment is sweeping through the ranks of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, as Governor Umo Eno reportedly finalizes plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) a move many critics are labeling as purely self-serving and politically expedient.
For a governor who rode into power on the back of the PDP machinery barely two years ago, this potential defection has not only ignited apprehension but also exposed a troubling pattern of opportunistic political behavior. Many insiders view Eno’s move as an unprincipled pivot one that sacrifices party loyalty and ideological consistency on the altar of personal political survival.
Akwa Ibom has long been a PDP stronghold a state where the umbrella party has clinched every governorship election since 1999. Umo Eno, a pastor with no deep-rooted history in the party, was propped up by the PDP elite as a continuity candidate. Now, that same platform appears to be merely a stepping stone in his calculated dance toward power consolidation.
Defection in Disguise: Political Gain Masquerading as Development Interest
While Eno’s camp subtly frames the move as a “strategic alignment” to gain federal support particularly for projects like the Ibom Deep Sea Port many observers aren’t buying it. They argue that developmental needs are being used as a smokescreen for a deeper political agenda: securing a second term, currying favor with the federal government, and shielding his administration from political vulnerability in 2027.
His recent hobnobbing with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Tinubu signals more than just routine federal engagement. The high-level meetings, photo-ops, and sudden praise for Tinubu’s leadership at a time when Nigerians are groaning under economic hardship are all tell-tale signs of a man preparing to switch allegiances for personal gain.
Eno’s defection, reportedly set for June 6, appears to be part of a covert alliance with Akpabio who is desperately seeking to expand the APC’s footprint in Akwa Ibom for 2027 and cement his dominance in the South-South.
The PDP Betrayal: When Personal Ambition Trumps Loyalty
Governor Eno’s flirtation with the APC is being perceived as a betrayal of the PDP faithful who stood by him in 2023, many of whom now fear political abandonment. Questions abound: Will these loyalists be absorbed into the APC structure, or will they be cast aside as expendable collateral damage?
APC leaders have made it clear there will be no special privileges for defectors. “There is no vacant position for new members,” one party stalwart bluntly stated. This signals that Eno’s allies may find themselves at the bottom of the ladder, forced to beg for relevance in a party they did not help build.
In several local government areas, APC is already holding strategic meetings and firming up leadership structures, while PDP loyalists remain in limbo unsure of their fate in this high-stakes political chess game.
2027 Calculation: The Real Reason Behind the Defection
The timing of Eno’s planned move to APC is no coincidence. With the 2027 general elections looming, it is clear that he, Akpabio, and Tinubu are aligning their political ambitions. Tinubu needs broad support for a re-election bid, Akpabio seeks dominance in Akwa Ibom, and Eno wants a second term. The governor is positioning himself at the intersection of these interests not for the people, but for political security.
His recent comments comparing the PDP to a “faulty aircraft” reveal not just dissatisfaction, but a calculated smear campaign to justify his impending defection. Such rhetoric not only insults the platform that gave him power but also underscores his willingness to burn bridges for convenience.
Conclusion: A Move Lacking Principle
At its core, Umo Eno’s potential defection is not about development. It is not about unity. It is not about Akwa Ibom’s best interest. It is a political gamble, one that prioritizes power over principle, ambition over loyalty, and strategy over sincerity.
As the state braces for the fallout, PDP members are left asking a sobering question: Was Eno ever truly one of them or was he merely a visitor passing through?
Reference
Umo Eno’s APC Move: A Self-Serving Political Gamble Wrapped in Strategic Deceit