Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid, emphasizing that his stance is deliberate and not a betrayal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to which he belongs. Speaking at a rally in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area on April 17, 2025, Eno, a PDP governor, declared that Tinubu, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), will complete an eight-year tenure, citing the president’s contributions to Akwa Ibom as a key reason. His endorsement, made despite a presidency directive against early campaigning, has sparked both praise and criticism, highlighting Nigeria‘s complex political dynamics.
Eno stressed sincerity in his decision, distancing himself from politicians who secretly pledge loyalty to Tinubu while publicly opposing him. “Me, I don’t know how to speak from two sides of the mouth,” he said. “In the night, they go and tell the Baba ‘we will support you,’ in the afternoon, they do another thing. I’m supporting Baba Bola Ahmed Tinubu for second term.” He promised to reveal his full reasoning later, stating, “When the time comes, you will see why we should support him to complete what he has started.” Eno pointed to infrastructure projects like the 65km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway segment in Nsit Atai, flagged off on April 15, 2025, as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to Akwa Ibom’s development.
The governor maintained that his support for Tinubu does not compromise his PDP membership. “That does not stop me from being a member of my party. I am entitled to my own opinion,” he asserted, a sentiment echoed in posts on X, such as @NaijaNews on April 18, 2025. Eno’s stance has drawn backlash, with human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong accusing him of “selfish” motives and aligning with Senate President Godswill Akpabio in an “unholy marriage” between PDP and APC for power and resources. Effiong’s comments, reported by Mc Ebisco, reflect sentiments among some Akwa Ibom residents who view the endorsement as a betrayal.
Eno also highlighted reciprocal political support, noting Akpabio’s backing for his own second-term ambition in 2027. “The Senate President has told me in many fora that they will support Pastor Umo Eno for a second term,” he said, framing the relationship as mutual: “You fall for me, I fall for you.” This alliance, solidified during the highway flag-off, underscores strategic cross-party collaboration. However, the PDP Governors’ Forum’s rejection of an opposition coalition led by Atiku Abubakar, reported on April 15, 2025, by TheCable, suggests internal party tensions, with critics like Dele Momodu alleging some PDP governors covertly support Tinubu.
Eno’s bold endorsement, rooted in Tinubu’s infrastructure strides, has positioned him as a polarizing figure. While he insists on sincerity and party loyalty, the controversy reflects broader debates about political alliances and governance ahead of 2027.
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