Governor Umo Eno shifted blame to the Nigerian Constitution for barring him from running as an independent candidate in 2027, after earlier blaming PDP’s leadership crisis Eno confirmed his planned defection to the APC and warned commissioners unwilling to join him to resign, emphasising loyalty to his leadership Despite defecting, Eno praised President Tinubu’s leadership and financial support, calling for unity in Akwa Ibom and promising a public declaration on his political future soon.
Uyo, Akwa Ibom state – Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has shifted blame to the Nigerian Constitution for barring him from running as an independent candidate in the 2027 governorship election.
This, however, is coming just 72 hours after blaming his looming defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on internal leadership crises.
Speaking at a Government House event in Uyo on Thursday, Eno confirmed his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He warned commissioners and appointees that those unwilling to join him in the APC should prepare to resign.
Eno: Blaming the constitution for lack of independent candidacy
In a shift from earlier statements blaming the PDP’s leadership turmoil—especially the ongoing litigation involving the party’s national secretary, Eno told congregants at a Sunday, May 25, Thanksgiving Service that if the constitution permitted independent candidacy, he would have chosen that route to avoid belonging to any political party.
Calls for unity and praise for Tinubu
Reflecting on his two years in office, Eno highlighted peace and unity in Akwa Ibom as his greatest achievement and urged critics to focus on constructive solutions rather than divisiveness. Despite his planned defection from the PDP, Eno publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio for another term, praising the federal government’s financial support to state projects.
Eno’s evolving stance reveals the complex political dynamics ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship race and the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, Zeit Gist reported that the All Progressives Congress (APC) invited Governor Eno join the party, claiming it is the only viable option for the future. The APC supported Eno’s criticism of the PDP, describing it as “inoperable” and unable to deliver progress for Nigeria.
