PDP Chieftain Chides Akwa Ibom Gov’s Planned Defection, Says Reasons Not Enough

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A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Sani, has criticized Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno over his reasons for planning to defect from the party.

Governor Eno had expressed his affection for the PDP but claimed the party could not assure his electoral success.

“I love the PDP; I want to stay, but there’s no roadmap to guarantee a smooth sail in elections,” he said.

However, Sani suggested that Eno’s move may be linked to the ongoing investigation of former Governor Udom Emmanuel by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged misappropriation of N70 billion in state funds.

He compared the situation to that of former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, whose successor has remained loyal, implying that Eno may be acting to protect Udom’s interests.

Sani also alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who has had past conflicts with Udom Emmanuel, might be using federal influence to pressure Eno into defecting.

Additionally, he claimed President Bola Tinubu’s political strategy to secure South-South support ahead of the 2027 elections could be a factor, as Tinubu seeks to weaken the PDP’s hold in states like Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Delta.

Despite these speculations, Sani warned that defecting could backfire on Eno, as Akwa Ibom remains a PDP stronghold.

He noted that even Akpabio, despite his influence, failed to shift the state’s loyalty, suggesting Eno lacks the grassroots support to survive such a move.

“If Akpabio couldn’t break PDP’s dominance, Eno—who lacks similar political clout—may find defection politically disastrous,” Sani stated.