Governor Udom Emmanuel has revealed who he wants to succeed him as Governor of Akwa Ibom in 2023.
This is Umo Eno, a cleric and current state Commissioner of Land and Water Resources.
Emmanuel was said to have introduced Eno to a select group of Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) bosses on Sunday night at Government House, Uyo.
Among those present at the meeting was a member of the House of Representatives who, over the years, has indicated an interest in running for the state’s 2023 gubernatorial election.
Governor Emmanuel did not allow the lawmaker to speak at the meeting, a source told PREMIUM TIMES.
“Before leaving the meeting, he made it clear to them that he would rather compete and fail in the (PDP) party primaries than abandon his ambition and resign for anyone,” the source said.
Governor Emmanuel’s spokesman, Ekerete Udoh, confirmed the development to PREMIUM TIMES.
“Yes, completely sincere, correct. Governor Udom Emmanuel this evening at the PDP stakeholder meeting held at the hostel, Government House, presented Pastor Umo Eno as his preferred candidate to succeed him.
“After that, it was introduced to the PDP stakeholders who were present by the former Governor, Victor Attah, and was widely received.
“So, I want to confirm that that is true,” Udoh said Sunday night.
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The challenger, Mr. Eno, who is relatively unknown in Akwa Ibom politics, was appointed commissioner in January 2021. Before that, he was preoccupied with his hospitality business: running a hotel in Eket and supplying food to Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited.
Eno was in the spotlight a few days ago when the Vanguard newspaper ran a story about him bragging that Mr. Emmanuel would soon declare it as his preferred option.
Eno’s ambition is sure to meet strong resistance within Governor Emmanuel’s cabinet and the PDP in Akwa Ibom, due to hushed comments and moves within party and government circles.