Gale of defections hitting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not about to stop, as Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, on Tuesday hinted at a possible defection, ahead of the 2027 general elections, likening his party (PDP) to a faulty aircraft, just as his comments elicited jitters and entreaties from PDP stalwarts.
Eno, who hinted at his possible defection from the PDP, said the party is now fragmented and risks grinding to a halt before the 2027 elections.
The governor, who spoke at the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency town square meeting held at QIC Central School, Ikot Akpankuk, said: “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?
The governor’s remarks followed a wave of defections from the PDP, with his Delta State counterpart, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, moving to the APC along with his supporters.
Eno’s comments elicited mixed reactions from his party and the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday.
While the PDP urged the governor to remain in the party and fight for democracy, the APC assured that Eno would soon join its fold.
But, former chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje, reaffirmed the party’s resilience and readiness to reclaim power in the 2027 general elections, despite the wave of recent defections and internal challenges.