Former lawmaker Otuekong Sunny Jackson Udoh has urged Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to demonstrate wisdom and magnanimity following his recent victory at the Supreme Court last Thursday.
Governor Umo Eno has stirred speculation about a possible shift in political allegiance after publicly questioning the viability of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a platform for his political ambitions beyond 2027.
Speaking during a constituency outreach on Tuesday in Ikot Akpankuk, Ukanafun Local Government Area, the governor compared the PDP to a malfunctioning aircraft and hinted that he may consider switching to a “different plane” to pursue his political goals—an analogy widely seen as a possible move to the 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 posed to a large gathering at the Town Square meeting for the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency.
His comments come amid growing concerns over disunity and instability in the PDP, worsened by recent defections such as that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the APC.
Despite his reservations about the PDP’s current state, Governor Eno encouraged his supporters to remain focused on the administration’s goals, stressing that effective governance remains his top priority.
During the event, the governor distributed empowerment packages to over 400 residents, including Traders and Farmers Grants, substantial MSME funding, and equipment support.
Specifically, 154 traders received financial grants, 116 farmers were supported, four individuals received N5 million each for business expansion, and 131 beneficiaries received equipment assistance.
In his address, Governor Eno advised recipients to use the funds wisely and warned against investing in Ponzi schemes or unproductive ventures.
“We need to meet with the people from time to time. Governance doesn’t end at elections,” he stated. “We’re here to listen, to assess your needs, and to let you know what we’ve done and what we plan to do.”
He noted that the administration has so far covered four of the state’s ten federal constituencies in its outreach efforts and promised that all constituencies would be visited in time to factor their needs into the 2026 budget.
“We will review your requests and prioritize based on available resources. What we can’t do now will be considered in future budgets,” he added. “This government belongs to the people—it is for you, with you, and by you.”
While Governor Eno has not formally announced a defection, his recent statements have intensified conversations surrounding shifting political dynamics in Akwa Ibom State and the broader opposition landscape.
