Some top members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have openly criticized Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State and former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose for endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term.
The PDP leaders say these endorsements could damage the unity and future of their party as Nigeria heads toward the 2027 general elections.
Governor Eno, a member of the PDP, recently declared his support for President Tinubu during the flag-off of a 65-kilometre highway project in Nsit-Antai Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom. He said Tinubu deserved to finish what he started.
Eno said, “Let me end by assuring our people-loving President that we will stand by him. He deserves to complete his eight years in office. He cannot start this work and abandon it. Someone else may not finish it with the same passion. Me, I’m supporting Baba Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.”
Fayose also dismissed the PDP’s chances in 2027 and called on Nigerians to let Tinubu complete his second term since it is the South’s turn to lead.
“It is better to allow Asiwaju (Tinubu) to complete his tenure because this is a southern slot. Everybody is fighting for their survival,” Fayose said.
These statements have caused tension within the PDP, with some party members accusing the two leaders of betraying the party.
Also Read:
- Wike Says He Wanted Fubara Removed Completely
- APC, NNPP in War of Words Over Kwankwaso’s Alleged Defection Plan
A former Deputy National Vice Chairman of the PDP, Chief Bode George, said he was deeply disappointed by Governor Eno’s position. While he dismissed Fayose’s comments, he said the governor’s actions could harm the PDP’s chances in 2027.
George said, “I don’t bother about whatever Fayose says or what he is doing. But I am very worried about the governor — a sitting governor of our party in Akwa Ibom. Taking that kind of decision without consultation with the national body of the party or with other stakeholders is undermining our party.”
George warned that Eno’s support for Tinubu was unprecedented and could stain his legacy.
George added, “He should recant his comment in the interest of the history of this country. Because what would he be remembered for? It has never happened in Akwa Ibom. It was a wrong decision.”
Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor, also condemned the move, saying the endorsements were personal and not party decisions.
Osadolor told Sunday PUNCH, “If there is a state that is 100 per cent PDP, that state is Akwa Ibom. 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. His endorsement of President Tinubu is personal to him and has nothing to do with our party.”
On Fayose, he said the party no longer takes him seriously.
Osadolor said, “Nobody takes the former governor seriously anymore. He is at liberty to say whatever he likes because he owns his mouth. But the party is not bothered by the comments of Ayo Fayose.”
Meanwhile, Wole Oke, a member of the House of Representatives, also raised concern over the internal crisis in the PDP. He said the party was in serious trouble and struggling to stay alive.
“The PDP is in big trouble, and it is gasping for breath,” Oke said.
He expressed fear that with less than two years before the next election, the PDP is still facing major challenges, including public endorsements of a rival party’s candidate.
With this growing tension and division within the party, many political observers fear that the PDP could find itself in a weaker position heading into the 2027 elections, especially if party discipline continues to break down at the top.