Akwa Ibom Gov. Eno fuels rumours of defection from PDP
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has stated that political parties are merely “vehicles to a destination,” implying that governance should transcend partisan lines, fueling speculation about a potential defection to the All Progressive Congress, APC.
Gov. Eno created a controversy by publicly questioning the distinctiveness of political ideologies in Nigeria, as well as challenging claims by the APC of having a larger membership than his own party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
According to a report in The Premium Times, Governor Eno had pointed out that although he stands corrected, he has not seen the difference in political ideology amongst the various parties in the country. He challenged that he be shown the difference, if there is any.
Eno’s inclusive approach, which included endorsing APC leaders like Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Minister Ekperikpe Ekpo, has raised eyebrows within the PDP. His public support for Akpabio’s second term, coupled with Akpabio’s reciprocal endorsement, has intensified defection rumours.
Adding to the political drama, former presidential adviser Ita Enang, an APC stalwart, called for the inclusion of APC members in the state’s empowerment programmes, claiming the APC has more members in the state.
In response, Governor Eno addressed Enang’s claim that the APC boasts a larger membership in the state, saying, “I would like to ask our senator where they are because I can not see.”
Governor Eno clarified that the state’s grant programmes are open to all Akwa Ibom citizens, regardless of political affiliation. “We, as the government, did not put any name in the system. The portal is open to every Akwa Ibom person.”
Eno explained that they do not ask for a political party. “Just register, and then we will come to verify your work,” he said.
He also addressed concerns about political figures benefiting from these grants, stating that while beneficiaries are selected based on merit, he has advised against political leaders encouraging their wards to participate for the sake of morality.
