Umo Eno, governor of Akwa Ibom, says political parties should not be the reason for division among people.

Speaking on Comfort 95.1 FM in Uyo on Wednesday, Eno said it is time Nigerians moved past partisan conflicts.

“Why can’t we be peaceful? Why must political parties separate us? Why must we have issues because my brother is in one party? No, we are all Akwa Ibomites first,” he said.

The governor described political parties as mere vehicles to attain power, saying governance should be inclusive once the mandate is secured.

“I see party as a vehicle to get to power — and when you get there, please begin to govern. Govern everyone, relate with everyone,” he said.

Eno lamented what he called the growing culture of misinterpretation, citing a recent controversy about his comments on Ibom Air.

“I know every day, now, I say something, people go to town and misinterpret it. Yesterday, I made an analogy and they say, ‘Oh, the man is demarketing Ibom Air’. That’s far from it. Ibom Air is the best airline,” he said.

“I’m saying that much as I love Ibom Air — it is our airline, it’s a preferred airline. Much as I love it and have it as a state government, if I arrive at the airport and Ibom Air has a technical fault — which is possible — and I have an appointment in Abuja or Lagos, maybe to deliver a talk or meet investors, and there’s an alternative airline… will I not go?

“Will I say, because this is my airline and it is owned by the state government? So when people say, ‘Oh, he was demarketing Ibom Air…’ No! It’s an analogy. Come on, people know better than this.”

Eno reiterated his position that Akwa Ibom people must remain united regardless of party affiliations.

“For me, what I’m saying is that Akwa Ibom is one, political parties are vehicles,” he said.

He said Nigerian politics lacks defined ideological boundaries, unlike in developed democracies.

“I’ve asked the question, and I want you to tell me: What’s the political ideology of this party and that party in this country?” he asked.

“We’re not like the Americans who say, ‘This is the ideology of the Democrats and this is the ideology of the Republicans.’ Everybody keeps going and coming, keeps going and coming.”

Eno said his message was one of unity and maturity, regardless of the platform anyone belongs to.

“Whatever thing I’m doing, I’m saying let us be one. Whether it is any party, any party platform,” he said.

“You have finished the election. We are now in governance. You are sworn into office to be a governor for Akwa Ibom.”

On Tuesday, Eno hinted at a possible defection ahead of the 2027 general election.

He likened the PDP to a faulty aircraft, adding that the party is now fragmented and risks grinding to a halt before the 2027 elections.

In response, Felix Morka, national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said the ruling party welcomes the governor’s remarks and agrees with his assessment of the PDP.

“We couldn’t agree more that Plane PDP has become demonstrably inoperable and unsafe for travel,” the APC spokesperson said in a statement.

“We assure Governor Eno that a flight with us will be a mighty good ride to remember.”

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has asserted that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar lacks the moral authority to criticize former Delta State Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for their recent switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking at the 28th Founders’ Day Lecture of Independent Television and Radio, themed “Nigeria, Where Are We Going?”, Oshiomhole emphasized that Atiku’s repeated party changes disqualify him from rebuking others for similar actions.

He pointed out that Atiku remains silent when circumstances favor him but raises concerns when they do not. “I was listening to discussions regarding the significance of the reunion of Edo and Delta with Dr. Okowa and Governor Oborevwori joining the APC. Those speaking, including Atiku, have demonstrated through their actions that a sitting vice president can defect to the opposition and still maintain their position, as supported by a Supreme Court ruling,” Oshiomhole stated.

He recalled his time as the unofficial opposition leader while serving as president of the Nigeria Labour Congress. Atiku, he noted, defected to the Action Congress in Lagos, ran for president, and lost. Oshiomhole highlighted that this same individual, who is now vocally criticizing Okowa, has switched parties multiple times—returning to the PDP, contesting against former President Muhammadu Buhari, and facing further defeats against President Bola Tinubu.

Oshiomhole expressed disbelief that Atiku would criticize someone who has only changed parties once.

Furthermore, he refuted claims that he stated all sins are forgiven upon joining the APC, accusing the media of misrepresenting his comments. “I have issued statements clarifying this issue. The media lacks evidence to support their claims, and I have requested they provide video evidence of my alleged comments,” he stated.

He explained that when Patrick Iluobe defected from the PDP to the APC, he remarked that in their dialect, Iluobe means “I have stopped doing bad,” suggesting that leaving the deceptive PDP would lead to positive change. Oshiomhole contended that the media, aligned with the PDP, distorted his words to imply he claimed all sins are forgiven upon joining the APC.

In a bold declaration, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has firmly stated that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, is more than capable of clinching the presidency in the upcoming 2027 elections without relying on coalitions with established parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or endorsements from prominent political figures such as Atiku Abubakar or Nasir El-Rufai.

During an exclusive interview, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, emphasized Obi’s strength as a candidate, asserting that he has a solid base of support that transcends party lines. Ndubuaku confidently noted that Obi had already demonstrated his appeal by securing victories in key regions, including Tinubu’s stronghold in Lagos, before facing electoral disruptions in 2023.

“Peter Obi doesn’t need any coalition to win the 2027 presidential election,” Ndubuaku stated. “He is a sellable candidate. The desire for his leadership resonates with a significant portion of the electorate, and if we ensure a free and fair election, victory is within reach.”

His remarks come in the wake of renewed backing from the Obidients Movement, which has pledged unwavering support for Obi, emphasizing his role as the country’s potential savior amid economic turmoil.

Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidients Movement, reiterated the urgent need for Nigeria to undergo transformation, positioning Obi as the sole candidate capable of guiding the nation towards recovery.

Ndubuaku further reinforced the notion that the PDP is no longer a viable option for serious contenders, labeling it as a “crisis-ridden and near-empty platform.” He highlighted the contrast between the Labour Party’s resolved issues and the ongoing turmoil within the PDP, arguing that switching parties would be detrimental.

“The Labour Party has addressed its challenges, while the PDP continues to grapple with significant internal conflicts. Transitioning from LP to PDP would be akin to jumping from frying pan to fire,” he remarked.

Additionally, he dismissed concerns surrounding zoning and power rotation, asserting that Obi’s governance would be focused on revitalizing the nation rather than clinging to power. “Obi’s reputation for performance speaks for itself. The fears regarding zoning are misplaced; he has no intention of holding onto power beyond what is necessary to effect change,” Ndubuaku concluded.

As the political landscape evolves, Obi’s unwavering support and potential candidacy continue to stir discussions about the future of Nigeria’s governance and the viability of its political parties.