 |
| Eno endorses Tinubu in Uyo |
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno said he won’t apologise for backing President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid. He made this clear at the lane expansion ceremony for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Uyo. Eno said Tinubu needs more time to finish key projects and reforms .
Eno’s move broke ranks with many PDP leaders. He is the only governor from his party to come out strong for Tinubu so early. His stand comes despite a warning from the Presidency to hold off public endorsements until nearer the 2027 polls .
He spoke with confidence. “I don’t know how to speak from two sides,” he said. He said he will explain his reasons when the time is right. For now, he wants Nigerians to see what Tinubu has done for Akwa Ibom .
Many Nigerians reacted with surprise. Some saw it as a sign of deepening divisions in the PDP. Others felt it showed a shift of power toward the ruling APC. Social media buzzed with hot takes. Critics said Eno had betrayed his own party. Supporters praised his courage .
Experts say Eno’s endorsement is part of a wider trend. A number of governors in both parties are weighing in early on Tinubu’s re-election. They see value in aligning with a president who holds sway over federal resources .
A recent Reuters report noted that on May 22, 2025, the APC officially endorsed Tinubu for 2027. The party praised his reforms in fuel subsidy removal and currency liberalisation. It saw these moves as key wins for the economy, even as living costs rose sharply .
Public opinion sits on a knife edge. A BusinessDay survey found 49 percent of Nigerians strongly oppose the endorsement. Just 26 percent strongly support it. The rest remain undecided or mildly opposed .
Critics point to high inflation and slow job growth. They blame the removal of fuel subsidies for the spike in transport and food prices. Many feel their daily lives have worsened under Tinubu’s rule. The Coalition of United Political Parties called his two years the worst since 1960 .
On the other hand, some analysts praise Tinubu’s tough choices. They note the black-market currency gap has narrowed. Oil output rose to 1.5 million barrels per day. Tax revenue climbed, and the central bank halted heavy money printing .
In Akwa Ibom, Eno cited major federal projects. He pointed to road work, health centre upgrades, and boost in gas pipeline links. He said these should earn Tinubu more goodwill in the South-South region .
Eno also stressed his own second-term campaign. He said Senate President Akpabio and other leaders back his bid. “If you fall for me, I fall for you,” he said, hinting at a pact of mutual support with Tinubu’s camp .
The PDP national leadership feels Eno’s move is risky. They worry it may embolden more defections to the APC. They have warned governors to stay in step with party strategy. Eno has brushed off these warnings, saying personal views do not equal betrayal .
Meanwhile, the APC governors’ forum has shown unity. Nasarawa’s Abdullahi Sule announced a unanimous backing of Tinubu after a closed meeting. They framed it as necessary to sustain economic gains .
Political scientists note a split in public mood. Professor Hassan Saliu of NPSA said some reforms need review. But he warned that early endorsements could harm the party’s zoning balance. He sees tension brewing over which zone gets the next presidential ticket .
Security remains a key voter concern. Despite federal efforts, banditry and insurgency persist in the North. Many villagers feel unsafe on farm roads. Critics say Tinubu has not done enough. Supporters say security overhauls take time .
Economists say more must be done to curb inflation. Food prices keep rising above 24 percent yearly. They urge boost to agriculture and better market regulation. They say this could win back public trust before the next election .
Trade groups warn the high cost of living may fuel unrest. They call on all governors, including Eno, to press for policies that ease daily hardship. Some see Eno’s backing as missing a chance to push the president harder on welfare moves .
At the national level, opposition parties like CUPP have seized on the issue. CUPP’s Mark Adebayo lambasted Tinubu’s record on jobs and power supply. He warned that further endorsement without policy fixes would deepen public anger .
In the Southeast, similar cross-party support has emerged. Anambra Governor Soludo backed Tinubu, sparking debate on tribal vs. national unity. Some see these endorsements as votes for stability. Others see them as shallow political deals .
Grassroots voices add to the mix. A Lagos market trader said politicians live in a bubble. She struggles to feed her family on her earnings. An Abuja civil servant said no one asked for early endorsements. They want better roads, regular pay, and steady light first .
Political watchers say the stage is set for rough fights ahead. The APC may face rifts over zoning and primaries. The PDP risks losing more governors. The early endorsements shift the power play behind closed doors .
Analysts advise both parties to focus on policy wins. They say real support comes from better schools, health, and jobs. They warn that mere endorsements will not sway the youth vote .
In Akwa Ibom, Eno’s bold stand may boost his profile. It may also isolate him from PDP peers. His own re-election bid may hinge on how well he balances federal ties with local needs .
Across Nigeria, the endorsement spree continues. Each governor brings his own context. Each has to answer his own electorate. And each endorsement adds a new twist to the race for 2027 .
One thing is clear: the game has changed. Early moves like Eno’s will shape alliances and debates. Voters will watch both words and deeds. They will judge both Eno and Tinubu on what reaches their doorsteps .
As the dust settles on Eno’s declaration, the key test lies ahead. Will Tinubu deliver more jobs and affordable life? Will the PDP rally its base or lose more ground? Will Nigerians care more about projects or party lines? Those questions will drive votes in 2027 .
For now, Governor Umo Eno’s stance stands firm. He has no regrets. He says he trusts Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria’s future. The nation will soon see if that vision wins hearts and ballots.