Key figures of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have strongly criticized the recent endorsements of President Bola Tinubu by Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno and former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, warning that their actions could harm the party’s unity and its chances in the 2027 general elections.
Governor Eno, who is a member of the PDP, declared his support for Tinubu’s re-election during the flag-off of a road project in Nsit-Antai Local Government Area last week. Eno expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and emphasized that the president should be allowed to complete his eight-year term. “Let me end by assuring our people-loving President that we will stand by him. He deserves to complete his eight years in office,” Eno said, signaling his backing for Tinubu’s second term.
Similarly, Fayose dismissed the chances of the PDP in 2027, suggesting that it would be better for Tinubu to finish his tenure, citing the southern presidency slot as the primary factor. He added, “Everybody is fighting for their survival,” hinting that the PDP’s prospects were bleak.
However, these endorsements have not gone down well with prominent members of the PDP, including former Deputy National Vice Chairman Chief Bode George and Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor. George expressed his disappointment at Eno’s position, calling it a “dangerous” move that could damage the party’s future. He criticized Eno for making such a decision without consulting the national body or party stakeholders, emphasizing that it could affect the PDP’s chances in the 2027 elections.
“I am very worried about the governor — a sitting governor of our party in Akwa Ibom. His decision is undermining our party ahead of the 2027 election,” George remarked. He also urged Eno to reconsider his position, calling it an unprecedented and wrong decision in the political history of Akwa Ibom.
Timothy Osadolor, on the other hand, dismissed both Eno and Fayose’s actions, stating that neither had the authority to dictate the direction of the party. He emphasized that while Akwa Ibom was a stronghold for the PDP, Eno’s personal endorsement of Tinubu did not reflect the party’s stance.
“Mr. Eno is the governor of the state, but he is not in a position to decide the political direction of PDP members in the state,” Osadolor said, also downplaying Fayose’s comments as irrelevant to the party’s objectives.
With the 2027 elections looming, these ongoing tensions within the PDP are raising concerns about the party’s unity as it looks ahead to the future.
