A mild drama unfolded in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, on Wednesday when Governor Umo Eno hinted at plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) a move that was overwhelmingly rejected by the crowd at a town hall meeting.
The event, which was part of a Town Square Meeting with the Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, was intended as a platform for Governor Eno to engage with the grassroots. But it quickly turned tense after he publicly declared his intention to “move to the center” by aligning the state with the federal ruling party.
According to a report by Vanguard, the governor told attendees that after “extensive consultations,” he had concluded that the time had come for Akwa Ibom to politically realign with the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We’re progressively moving forward, linking Akwa Ibom to the center. And I know you’re going with us. Are you going with us so we can connect to the center?” he asked.
However, the question backfired, as a loud chorus of “No!” rang out from the audience. Only a few voices responded with ‘yes’, and their reaction was swiftly drowned by the more dominant rejection.
Despite the public resistance, Governor Eno pressed on with his pitch, urging the people not to fear a political shift, saying it was necessary for Akwa Ibom to stop playing opposition politics and start benefitting from being in alignment with the central government.
“Do not be afraid. Believe in us. Believe in President Bola Tinubu because the future is bright,” he said.
“We are already a minority state in Nigeria. If we come again and start breaking ourselves into pieces, we become a minority of minorities and cannot get anything.”
He stressed that remaining in opposition had left Akwa Ibom marginalized in national politics, and that a new political direction was necessary to secure development and influence for the state.
Governor Eno’s remarks appeared aimed at building support for Tinubu's re-election in 2027, as well as a possible second term for himself. He also name-dropped Senate President Godswill Akpabio, indicating a growing alliance between himself and the APC leadership.
The development marks a significant turning point in Akwa Ibom's political dynamics, as the state has been a stronghold of the PDP since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
However, Wednesday’s scene suggests that Governor Eno may face strong grassroots resistance if he follows through with the defection plan.
Post a Comment