A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and former House of Representatives member in Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Michael Enyong, has stated that Governor Umo Eno's defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not affect PDP's chances in the 2027 elections.

Speaking in an interview with journalists in Uyo on Monday, Enyong, popularly known as 'Babantan', emphasized that the PDP's structure in the state remains intact despite the governor's departure.

"I'm telling you, without mincing words, that PDP is still intact in Akwa Ibom State despite Umo Eno's defection," he declared, adding that "the people who make PDP win elections are still in the party, and will sustain the winning streak in future elections."

PDP Still 'A Religion' in Akwa Ibom

Enyong, who described himself as the 'Lion of Akwa Ibom Politics', assured that the party remains deeply rooted in the state's political landscape.

"I can assure you that PDP is still a religion in Akwa Ibom. Major stakeholders in the state politics are still with the PDP. We're not worried at all by the defection of Umo Eno to APC. Come 2027, PDP will file candidates for the general elections and our candidates will win massively," he stressed.

The former lawmaker highlighted his own political credentials, noting his successful elections to the House of Representatives in 2015 and 2019, as well as his contested candidacy for governor in 2023.

Calls for Legal Action Against Governor's Defection

Enyong criticized Governor Eno's defection just two years after winning election on the PDP platform, describing it as "playing double standard." He particularly took issue with the governor's statement that he would continue to control the PDP structure despite joining the APC.

"Such statement is clearly double standard and unacceptable," Enyong remarked.

He called on the PDP national body to challenge Eno's defection in court and declare his seat vacant, citing Section 221 of the Constitution which states that a political party shall sponsor a candidate in an election.

"Governor Eno has not provided sensible reason for leaving the PDP," he added, urging the national leadership to take decisive action.

The PDP chieftain expressed confidence that the party would reorganize and prepare to win massively in future elections, maintaining that the core of Akwa Ibom's political structure remains loyal to the PDP despite the governor's defection.

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