Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has addressed the controversy surrounding his public endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term bid, asserting that his stance is driven by conviction and does not represent a betrayal of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking at a rally in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Governor Eno emphasized his sincerity and the deliberate nature of his decision, contrasting his openness with other political figures who he claims secretly pledge allegiance to Tinubu while publicly adopting a different stance.
“Me, I don’t know how to speak from two sides of the mouth,” Governor Eno stated, revealing his direct approach to politics. “The other day, I said I was going to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, people said ‘why do I say so?’ In the night, they go there and go and tell the baba ‘we will support you’, in the afternoon, they do another thing. Me I’m supporting baba Bola Ahmed Tinubu for second term. When the time comes, I will tell you the reason, the time has not come yet. But let me keep it first. There’s no point lying to yourself.”
Governor Eno hinted that the rationale behind his support would become evident as Tinubu’s developmental projects in Akwa Ibom progress. “You will see what he is doing for our state and you will know why we should not go elsewhere,” he said. “So if you want another support, wait — when he finishes, we will now support another person.”
He clarified that his support for Tinubu does not imply a departure from his PDP roots. “Akwa Ibom does not know how to flip-flop,” he asserted. “That does not stop me from being a member of my party. I am entitled to my own opinion.”
Adding to the political dynamics of the rally, Governor Eno revealed that his second-term ambition received a boost from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who publicly voiced his support. “The senate president has told me in many fora,” he said. “It has been confirmed today by the vote that has been moved, and our mother has also spoken, that they will support Pastor Umo Eno for a second term.”
Concluding his address with a lighthearted yet meaningful statement, Governor Eno said, “So if you take your own, I take my own. You fall for me, I fall for you. Na play, not be fight. If you fall for me, I fall for you.” This underscored his desire for political harmony and cooperation.
