Eno justifies move to APC
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former aspirant for the Akure South/Akure North Federal Constituency in Ondo State, Balarabe Akinwumi, has expressed concern over the recent wave of defections by incumbent governors from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Akinwumi, a lawyer and former aide to ex-Governor Olusegun Mimiko on Oil and Gas, who described the trend as “worrisome”, stressed that the defecting governors may be seeking political cover to conceal their purported misconduct.
While arguing that the defections reflect a lack of confidence on the part of the governors, as well as a desperate move to align with the ruling party for protection, he maintained that political realignments should not overshadow the need for good governance and accountability.
Akinwunmi, who expressed confidence in PDP’s readiness for the 2027 general elections, emphasised that only a true national coalition comprising Nigerians can effectively oust President Bola Tinubu in an election.
According to him, Nigerians should remain vigilant amid the pervasive fear, insecurity, poverty, and hunger in the country, warning that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat.
He said: “They (governors) are the ones who know what they’re hiding. You know, Adams Oshiomole said that if you come to the ruling party, your sins are forgiven.
They are the ones who know the sins that they have committed, that they want to go back to. So that’s why they are going there, maybe.”
MEANWHILE, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has stated that despite leaving the PDP for APC, he has “no issues” with his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, whom he referred to as his political father.
Eno served as Commissioner in Emmanuel’s cabinet before the latter unveiled him as his preferred successor in the 2023 elections. Despite stiff opposition, Emmanuel helped Eno win the governorship election under the PDP platform.
In about two years in office, Eno left the PDP for the APC, ending the 26-year PDP rule in the oil-rich state. He cited an internal crisis in the party and his desire to get the support of the government at the centre for infrastructural development in the state, particularly the Ibom Deep Seaport, as reasons for his defection.
Speaking during a pro-APC rally in Eket, the governor reaffirmed that his decision was in the interest of Akwa Ibom and not a betrayal of his political mentor.
