Tension rises in PDP as Governor Umo Eno’s rumoured defection

DDM News

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has voiced its frustration over the alleged plans by Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State to defect from the party.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) revealed that the development, still unconfirmed by the governor, has triggered strong reactions from within the PDP’s national leadership.

In an interview with Vanguard, the Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor, described the rumoured defection as “very, very unfortunate.”

Osadolor said that Governor Eno has been a beneficiary of the PDP’s structure and goodwill for over 25 years.

He emphasized that the governor had built his political relevance and earned his recent victory on the back of the PDP.

He stressed that it is morally wrong for the governor to abandon the same platform that has nurtured his political journey.

According to Osadolor, this move is driven more by fear of political uncertainty than by principle or ideology.

He stated that Governor Eno is afraid of being “rigged out” in the 2027 general elections and may be considering defection to secure his future.

He described such fears as understandable but ultimately cowardly.

Osadolor questioned how a man of the governor’s stature could resort to seeking refuge in a rival party after decades of loyalty to the PDP.

He accused Governor Eno of betraying the trust reposed in him by the party and its supporters.

Osadolor stated, “When you assume that people possess integrity, class, and substance, it is deeply disappointing to discover they are, in fact, merely small men in oversized clothes and big shoes.”

He said the party is disillusioned and hurt by the governor’s reported plans.

He also criticized what he called the hypocrisy in Nigeria’s political system, where corrupt individuals are persecuted while in opposition but praised once they join the ruling party.

He asked, “Are we now to believe that all APC governors are saints, or that corrupt individuals suddenly become virtuous once they defect?”

He maintained that political alignment should not determine one’s innocence or guilt in matters of governance and corruption.

Osadolor urged Governor Eno to think deeply about the legacy he intends to leave behind.

He pointed out that as governor of an oil-rich state, Eno holds significant influence and should use that position to push for meaningful electoral reforms.

He encouraged the governor to remain in the PDP and help strengthen democratic systems rather than weaken them through political defection.

Osadolor reminded Eno that history will remember those who stood their ground during challenging times.

He warned that jumping ship to secure personal safety would not earn the respect of the people.

He said that the current administration has shown signs of political intolerance, particularly toward opposition figures.

He emphasized that the fight for electoral integrity and justice is more urgent now than ever before.

The PDP youth leader said Governor Eno should be on the side of the Nigerian people, not chasing temporary political shelter.

He reiterated the need for strong institutions and condemned the culture of politicians switching parties for self-preservation.

He added that Nigeria cannot build a lasting democracy when politicians prioritize convenience over commitment.

Governor Umo Eno has yet to issue an official statement regarding the speculations of his defection.

The silence from the governor’s camp has only fueled more public debate and uncertainty.

Akwa Ibom has been a PDP stronghold since 1999, making this potential shift a significant political event.

The state, rich in oil and strategically located, holds considerable electoral weight.

The PDP is now facing internal questions about loyalty, discipline, and its ability to keep major stakeholders united.

Many party loyalists believe that defections weaken the fabric of democracy and erode public trust in the political system.

Others argue that politicians often move out of fear or to align with federal power to protect personal interests.

As 2027 approaches, more such defections may occur unless parties rebuild internal cohesion and reestablish ideological commitment.

For now, the PDP awaits Governor Eno’s response, hoping he will choose legacy over fear.

His next steps could influence the political direction of Akwa Ibom and the party’s future strength in the region.

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