Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has intensified speculation about a possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after making veiled statements suggesting his political future may not lie within his current party.
Speaking during a Thanksgiving Service held in his honour at The Apostolic Church, Maboju Assembly, Lagos, on Sunday, the governor said he was uncertain about the political platform he would belong to in the future, adding that party affiliation would not define his identity as a leader.
“I don’t know where I’ll be tomorrow — whether PDP, APC, or YPP,” Governor Eno said. “These are just for political convenience and enlightened state interest. But it will never define who I am.”
He, however, quickly added, “That is not to say I am going anywhere,” before quoting a hymn that alluded to uncertainty and divine direction: “Oh, the future lies before me, and I know not where I’ll be.”
While insisting that his statements should not be misconstrued as a formal defection, the governor’s remarks have reignited debates over his loyalty to the PDP, particularly in light of his growing affinity with members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Governor Eno, who assumed office in 2023 as the PDP candidate, has repeatedly maintained that his administration is focused on “unitary governance” and transcends partisan boundaries. He has openly endorsed President Tinubu and Mr Akpabio for second terms, moves widely viewed as political heresy within the PDP stronghold of Akwa Ibom.
“I will remain a governor connected to the people, regardless of party,” he told congregants. “Today, we can sit in church with a Senate President and a minister who are APC members. We are shaking hands and talking. It is only in the place of unity that God will command His blessings.”
Notably absent at the event was former Governor Udom Emmanuel, Eno’s political godfather, who had handpicked him as successor and facilitated his emergence as governor. Also absent was Emmanuel’s wife, Martha. Their absence came amid reports of a growing rift over Governor Eno’s political alignment.
A source at the event disclosed to Premium Times that Mr Emmanuel was in Abuja for a PDP strategy meeting and was not invited to the Thanksgiving. “Yes, maybe he (Eno) didn’t invite him because he said he wanted a quiet Thanksgiving, but it turned out to be a big one,” the source said, requesting anonymity.
Insiders say the relationship between the two is “frosty but being managed carefully,” with Mr Emmanuel reportedly opposed to any plans by his successor to abandon the PDP.
Governor Eno used the occasion to recount a spiritual prophecy that he says foretold his journey to becoming a state governor. “In 1980, a young girl in this very church said, ‘Umo Eno, for your labour of love, I’ll return you to your homeland, and you’ll be a governor of my people.’ I never expected it. But God touched the heart of my political father, Udom Emmanuel,” he said.
Despite their current tensions, the governor reaffirmed his appreciation for Mr Emmanuel’s role in his rise to power. “That’s why I will never dishonour Mr Emmanuel. If you expect that I’ll do that, take everything you want to give to me. God used him to fulfil that prophecy.”
Governor Eno’s statements mirror his governing philosophy since assuming office: political openness and reconciliation. “Before I became governor, PDP and APC members were not talking to each other. They couldn’t patronise each other’s businesses for fear of being reported,” he said. “But today, we are united.”
The PDP has ruled Akwa Ibom uninterrupted since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. However, Eno’s public embrace of APC leaders has unsettled many within the PDP fold. His increasing alignment with APC figures, including attending federal functions and endorsing national policies, has led to questions about whether he is laying the groundwork for an eventual defection.
The Thanksgiving Service, which the governor described as a symbolic return to “Bethel” — referencing the biblical location where Jacob renewed his covenant with God — was attended by several APC leaders, including Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo. Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Senate President Akpabio were represented.
As a token of gratitude to the church that nurtured his early faith, Governor Eno announced a donation of a Coaster Bus, a 60KVA Generator, and over N200 million.
Whether this spiritual pilgrimage will mark the beginning of a political journey away from the PDP remains to be seen. But one thing is clear — Governor Eno is charting his own path, one that may yet reshape Akwa Ibom’s political future.
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