At a sun-drenched town square in Ikot Akpankuk, Ukanafun Local Government Area, the atmosphere was festive but charged with underlying political tension.
Hundreds gathered for what was billed as a constituency outreach meeting, but it was Governor Umo Eno’s words—not the giveaways—that echoed far beyond the boundaries of the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency.
In a moment that has since sparked widespread speculation, the Akwa Ibom governor drew a curious analogy that many believe offers a glimpse into his political future.
“If you wanted to travel with Ibom Airline, and on the verge of taking off, it developed a fault that won’t enable it to fly, won’t you board the next available plane to take you to your destination?” Eno asked the crowd, drawing a ripple of murmurs and sidelong glances among political aides and constituents alike.
Though he never named it, the “faulty aircraft” seemed to point squarely at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—his political home and the dominant party in Akwa Ibom since 1999.
The “next available plane”? For many, it’s a thinly veiled reference to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party.
His remarks land at a delicate moment for the PDP, which has recently been rocked by internal discontent and high-profile defections, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s switch to the APC.
While Eno hasn’t made any formal moves, his analogy has amplified rumors that a realignment may be on the horizon.
Still, the governor struck a tone of reassurance. “Service delivery remains our focus,” he said, even as political analysts parsed his every word for deeper meaning.
READ ALSO: Osun Govt Dismisses Defection Rumours, Reaffirms Adeleke’s Loyalty to PDP
The event wasn’t just about politics—it was also about impact. More than 400 constituents benefited from empowerment packages ranging from Farmers and Traders Grants to multimillion-naira support for small businesses.
Specifically, 154 traders received grants, 116 farmers were supported, and four entrepreneurs were each awarded N5 million.
Another 131 beneficiaries took home various tools and equipment to boost local productivity.
But even in the spirit of generosity, Eno was stern in his advice: “Use these funds wisely. Don’t fall for Ponzi schemes or throw them into unproductive ventures.”
The outreach, he said, is part of a broader grassroots governance effort. Four of the state’s ten federal constituencies have already been covered, with plans to visit the remaining six before the next budget cycle.
“We govern by listening,” Eno told the crowd. “This government belongs to the people—it is for you, with you, and by you.”
Whether his journey continues under the PDP banner—or on a different political “aircraft”—remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the runway to 2027 has already begun to clear.