Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, says backing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election is a personal decision rooted in sincerity, not a betrayal of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking at a political rally in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Governor Umo Eno addressed growing concerns over his open endorsement of President Tinubu—a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC)—for a second term in office.
“Me, I don’t know how to speak from two sides of the mouth,” he said. “The other day, I said I was going to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, people said ‘why do I say so?’”
Emphasizing integrity in his political choices, Eno said while some may appear to oppose Tinubu publicly, they privately pledge their support.
“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.
“I will tell you the reason when the time comes, and you will see with me why we should support him so that he can complete what he has started.
“You will see what he is doing for our state, and you will know why we should not go elsewhere.
“So, if you want another support, wait — when he finishes, we will now support another person.”
Governor Eno clarified that his endorsement of Tinubu does not mean he is abandoning the PDP or shifting political allegiance.
“Akwa Ibom does not know how to flip-flop,” he stated.
“That does not stop me from being a member of my party. I am entitled to my own opinion.”
He also revealed that his own second-term bid is receiving cross-party backing, including support from Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“The senate president has told me in many fora,” Eno 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.
“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.”