*As Gov Hints Of Defection
*’Don’t Flee, Fight For Democracy’
THE All Progressives Congress (APC) has told the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Umo Eno, that its platform was ready to fly him out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 30, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Felix Morka, was in response to Eno’s comments likening PDP to a faulty aircraft, ahead of his anticipated defection to APC after he publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, for a second term.
At a town hall meeting for Ukanafun Federal Constituency of the state on Tuesday, April 29, Eno spoke of two aircraft, a faulty one and another in good shape, asking the audience which of the two a passenger who has serious business would patronise, ostensibly implying that the PDP aircraft can no longer fly safely.
He said: “All of us are from Akwa Ibom. Hunger does not discriminate between PDP and APC members. What the Akwa Ibom people want is good governance.
“You are about to board a flight to Lagos from Uyo, and you see Air Peace and Ibom Air. Ibom Air develops faults while trying to take off and disembarks its passengers. But Air Peace is ready to fly to Lagos.
“Would you cancel your flight to Lagos because you do not want to use Air Peace and wait till Ibom Air is fixed before you travel to Lagos? Would you do that?
“No! Board a flight, disregard the name of the plane. Go to Lagos if you have business you want to do. When Ibom Air is fixed and you want to fly another day, you can fly with them.
“But if you have an important business, board the available plane and fly.”
A source, blaming PDP crisis, told Premium Times that the governor’s defection was imminent, pointing to the emergence to two factional secretaries and uncertainty over which of them would sign his nomination form for a second term.
In reaction, Morka said the ruling party welcomes the governor’s remarks and agrees with his assessment of the PDP, noting: “We couldn’t agree more that Plane PDP has become demonstrably inoperable and unsafe for travel.
“As safety and comfort are prerequisite conditions for flying, our great party assures the governor that Plane APC is fit and ready to fly His Excellency and entourage to their desired destination.
“Our pilots and crew are highly competent, welcoming, attentive to detail and on standby to serve.
“We assure Governor Eno that a flight with us will be a mighty good ride to remember.”
However, PDP, while reacting to the governor, urged him to prioritise electoral reforms, rather than defecting to APC.
Its Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, faulted the governor’s defection rumour as “very, very unfortunate,” saying he, having benefited from the PDP for over 25 years, has a moral responsibility to advocate the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system.
He said: “When you assume that people possess integrity, class and substance, it is deeply disappointing to discover they are, in fact, merely small men in over-sized clothes and big shoes.
“There’s a real sense of disillusionment when those you once held in high regard turn out to be far less impressive. I wonder what justification the governor of Akwa Ibom State intends to offer for his defection.
“In truth, this is a governor who has been with the PDP for over 25 years, one who has been given countless opportunities to leave a lasting mark in our democratic history.
“Now, because of fear, he considers jumping ship, ahead of the 2027 elections.”
Osadolor urged the governor to reflect on the legacy he wishes to leave behind and leverage his position as governor of an oil-rich state to advocate electoral justice.
“I call on the governor to reconsider. He has the opportunity to leave a legacy that will be remembered by future generations. He should rally Nigerians to demand credible electoral reforms and ensure the 2027 elections are truly democratic and transparent.
“Rest assured, the PDP is putting its house in order and is fully engaged in this process. Our goal is not just to win governorship seats, but to reconnect with Nigerians.
“Ultimately, it is the message and vision we present to the people that will determine our success at the polls.”
