Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would complete two full terms in office. This assertion was made during the flag-off ceremony of the Akwa Ibom section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, a major infrastructure initiative that is seen as a key part of the federal government’s agenda to boost national development.
Governor Eno, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed his full support for the national project and the Tinubu administration. “President Tinubu will be here for eight years,” Eno declared, emphasizing the importance of aligning with the national agenda for the greater good of the country. The governor’s remarks stood in contrast to growing opposition calls for a change in leadership by 2027, reflecting the deepening political tensions within the country.
Governor Eno’s remarks come at a politically charged time, as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, is actively working to unite opposition parties with the goal of challenging President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. Atiku recently held meetings with prominent figures from the opposition, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, where they discussed plans for a broad coalition to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election.
However, despite Atiku’s push for a united opposition front, the PDP Governors’ Forum made it clear on Monday that the party would not be joining any coalition or merger discussions at this time. In a statement read by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, the forum expressed the party’s position, underscoring that the PDP would welcome individuals or groups interested in joining its ranks, but would not participate in a formal coalition.
This division within the PDP highlights the ongoing internal struggles within the party as it seeks to redefine its strategy for the 2027 elections. The PDP’s recent decisions suggest that while some party members remain committed to rallying around Atiku, others are focused on the future leadership of the party and the broader direction of Nigerian politics.
The PDP Governors’ Forum has further distanced itself from any coalition efforts or merger plans with other political parties. The forum also addressed issues concerning the party’s leadership, particularly in relation to the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which is scheduled for May 27. The much-anticipated NEC meeting will discuss the direction of the party and may pave the way for the PDP’s national convention set to take place in August in Kano.
In a move that echoes the sentiments of some party members, PDP Board of Trustees member, Bode George, publicly opposed the idea of another presidential run by Atiku Abubakar. George emphasized the importance of adhering to zoning principles within the PDP, which traditionally ensures that presidential candidates alternate between the northern and southern regions of the country. He argued that the northern region had already held the presidency for eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari, and it was now the turn of the southern region to have a full eight years in office.
With Governor Eno’s recent comments offering strong support for President Tinubu and the federal government’s ongoing infrastructure projects, the political landscape within the PDP appears to be in a state of flux. Some members, like Bode George, are advocating for a leadership change that respects zoning, while others, including Governor Eno, are aligning themselves with the current administration’s national agenda, at least for the immediate future.
At the heart of Governor Eno’s remarks is a strong commitment to national development and the need for the country’s leadership to work together in support of significant infrastructure projects. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, which was flagged off in Akwa Ibom, is one such initiative that Governor Eno believes will drive economic growth and improve living standards for citizens across the country. The project, which spans multiple states, is expected to ease transportation, facilitate trade, and enhance overall connectivity between the southern and northern parts of Nigeria.
While the project has been hailed by many as a key part of Nigeria’s long-term development plans, it is also seen as an effort by the federal government to strengthen its relationship with state governments and ensure broader support for its initiatives. Governor Eno’s public backing of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is, therefore, not just a reflection of his support for national infrastructure but also an endorsement of President Tinubu’s administration.
This stance from Governor Eno is in direct contrast to the opposition that continues to grow within the PDP. As a party that is still reeling from the aftermath of the 2023 elections, there is a palpable sense of urgency among some members to consolidate opposition forces and chart a new path forward. Atiku’s initiative to bring together opposition parties is viewed by many as an attempt to present a united front against the APC in the 2027 elections.
However, the internal rift within the PDP raises questions about the party’s cohesion and its ability to effectively challenge the APC in the next presidential race. With figures like Governor Eno offering public support to President Tinubu, the prospect of a unified opposition appears to be slipping further away.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, Nigeria’s political landscape will undoubtedly continue to evolve. For now, the PDP seems divided, with some members pushing for a new direction while others, like Governor Eno, back the current administration’s efforts. The party’s internal dynamics will play a critical role in determining its success or failure in the upcoming elections, especially as it grapples with the question of leadership, unity, and national vision.
The next few months will be crucial for the PDP, as the party’s national convention and other key meetings will provide more insight into its strategies for the future. Meanwhile, President Tinubu and his government continue to roll out ambitious projects that may solidify the ruling party’s influence and support across Nigeria.
