By Bassey Ekong
He spoke like an oracle of God, who he is, anyway. Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, a governor elected on the platform of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), last week stirred stirred national conversations and rippled across Nigeria’s political landscape, when publicly endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for a second term in office.
The declaration, made during the flag-off ceremony of the Akwa Ibom–Cross River section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, was more than just a gesture of political goodwill. It signalled a broader realignment for the corporate development of the country, regardless of political persuasion.
He exalted statesmanship, and performance above party loyalty. That is courage and a demonstration of love for one’s fatherland. Standing before a crowd in Uyo, Governor Eno did not mince words. With clarity and resolve, he declared that President Tinubu would not only complete the ambitious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway but would also serve two terms in office.
“Let me end by assuring our people-loving president, who will complete eight years because we are going to stand by him. And this is the truth. He cannot start this work and abandon it. Somebody else may not finish it,” the governor said.
Pastor Eno drew a biblical reference, and boldly declared that: “The hand that started this work shall complete it”—was more than ceremonial. It was a clear signal of support, not just for a project, but for the person and presidency of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Governor Eno’s endorsement is particularly noteworthy given Akwa Ibom State’s political history. Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, the state has been a stronghold of the PDP. Eno is the fourth governor in the state to emerge from the party, following in the footsteps of Victor Attah, Godswill Akpabio (before his defection to the APC), and Udom Emmanuel.
Yet, unlike his predecessors, Governor Eno has openly embraced collaboration with APC leaders at both the state and national levels. His camaraderie with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, both of whom hail from the state and prominent leaders of the APC, is evident. In his speech, Eno emphasized that party affiliations must not hinder progress and unity: “For us in Akwa Ibom, a party is just a platform to contest elections. Party will never change who you are, or who you are willing to be.”
This pragmatic view of politics departs from the traditional party-centric approach and reflects a growing sentiment among some Nigerian politicians: that performance and development should trump party lines.
The governor was unperturbed with the expected criticisms that were hauled at him. He was resolute in the conviction of his courage. The rumour mongers who claimed Governor Eno may be preparing to defect to the APC, were ignored by the focused governor.
Governor Eno’s endorsement comes at a time when the PDP is facing a deepening crisis of identity and leadership. Following its loss in the 2023 presidential election, the party has been mired in factional battles, leadership struggles, and a steady loss of high-profile members to the APC.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s flag bearer in 2023, recently floated the idea of a grand coalition of opposition parties to challenge the APC in 2027. But the plan appears to be facing resistance. PDP governors, in a recent meeting, made it clear that the party would not participate in any coalition talks—effectively closing the door on Atiku’s unification strategy.
The internal fractures have left the party rudderless and vulnerable. As one of the few remaining PDP governors, Eno’s apparent pivot toward the APC may be indicative of a broader shift away from what was once Nigeria’s dominant political force.
To his credit, Governor Eno insists that his support for President Tinubu is development-driven, not political. He praised the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a transformative project that would boost connectivity, enhance economic growth, and bring prosperity to the South-South region. His endorsement, he says, is rooted in a desire to ensure continuity and completion.
“Akwa Ibom is one state where you find political parties—whether APC or PDP—always come together when it has to do with progress, projects, and infrastructure,” Eno noted.
This perspective may resonate with many Nigerians who are increasingly weary of political bickering and are more focused on tangible development and good governance. In a country grappling with economic challenges, insecurity, and underdevelopment, citizens are likely to support leaders who prioritize results over rhetoric.
Governor Eno’s endorsement, while symbolic, could have long-term implications for the 2027 general elections. If more PDP governors or influential leaders follow suit, it could tilt the political balance firmly in favor of the APC, giving President Tinubu and his party a significant head start.
Governor Umo Eno’s public endorsement of President Bola Tinubu marks a potential turning point—not just for Akwa Ibom politics, but for the broader trajectory of Nigeria’s political alignment. Whether it ultimately leads to a defection or remains a gesture of goodwill, the message is clear: political lines are blurring, and development is becoming a more persuasive currency than party loyalty.
For a country that often finds itself shackled by rigid partisan divides, this could be a refreshing new direction. As 2027 approaches, all eyes will be on leaders like Governor Eno—leaders whose decisions today may very well define the political map of tomorrow.
• Ekong writes from Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State