₦airaland Forum

2027: ‘They live in rented apartments but want to be governor’ — Eno fires at challengers

Governor Eno has questioned the credentials of unnamed political challengers, saying some live in rented apartments yet seek to govern Akwa Ibom.

by Saviour Imukudo


Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State appears to have begun his re-election campaign on an attacking note, questioning the credentials of some opposition figures seeking to contest the state’s governorship seat in 2027.

Speaking on Saturday during a media chat to mark his third anniversary in Uyo, the governor said some of his challengers lived in rented apartments but desired to govern the oil-rich state.

Mr Eno, however, did not mention the name of any politician or gubernatorial aspirant.

The governor’s remarks came amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition politicians and other stakeholders positioning themselves for the next election cycle.

Questions over opponents’ credentials

Mr Eno said critics often underestimate the realities of governance until they assume public office.

“My dear brothers and sisters, if you’re not a governor, you’re not a governor. That’s the truth. It’s sweet to stay outside to want… So if I were a governor, I would do this,” he said.

“When you come in as a governor, forget about the siren, area boys, and female youths. Leave all those things and become a governor and notice how you’ll feel.”

The governor also dismissed what he described as attempts by “recycled politicians” to present themselves as alternatives to his administration.

“When I see recycled politicians coming back to tell me stories, I look at them and say, ‘You had the opportunity; show me one thing you did,'” he said.

“We’re going on a campaign. I’d like to debate with them; let them tell me what they did.”

‘They live in rented apartments’

The governor intensified his criticism when he questioned the personal achievements of some of those seeking elective office.

“Some of them don’t have a house. They live in a rented apartment and want to become governors. Is that how it works?” he said.

“They should tell me what they’ve done in life that succeeded. Anything they laid their hands on died,” he said without offering details of what he meant.

“And you want me to hand over the state treasury to you. Akwa Ibom, we’ve gone past that level. They should stop deceiving people.”

Political background

Mr Eno was elected governor in 2023 on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), succeeding former Governor Udom Emmanuel.

In a major political realignment, he defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2025, a move that reshaped the political landscape in Akwa Ibom and generated intense debate among political stakeholders.

Since joining the APC, the governor has repeatedly defended his administration’s record and urged residents to judge his government based on its performance.

While supporters of the governor argue that his administration has recorded significant achievements in infrastructure, education, health, and rural development, opposition figures have accused the government of failing to adequately address key governance challenges despite the state receiving trillions of naira in revenue.

With months before formal campaigns for the 2027 governorship election begin, Mr Eno’s latest remarks suggest that political contestation in Akwa Ibom is already gathering momentum.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/south-south-regional/884186-2027-they-live-in-rented-apartments-but-want-to-be-governor-eno-fires-at-challengers.html

I pity blood snatchers dey go pay with their blood

Once you join apc you start thinking and behaving like a proper hee dee oot

Na wa oo how is this a campaign issue

And thats supposed to be a pastor

So someone who cant afford to buy a house cannot become governor?

Is that a new criteria?

The Governor statement is so funny

Anybody fit become anybody

An okada rider became a federal lawmaker

Islie:
“When you come in as a governor, forget about the siren, area boys, and female youths. Leave all those things and become a governor and notice how you’ll feel.”


https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/south-south-regional/884186-2027-they-live-in-rented-apartments-but-want-to-be-governor-eno-fires-at-challengers.html

Nlfpmod

Abeg wetin the Governor mean by the bolded?

Wow! And this Is coming from a Pastor ooo.

I do t
Understand they na for Everest them go live

So what? These people who are in APC seem to have no brain... see the kind of wicked leaders we have.

since when does ownership of a oerson's domicile become a criteria to aspire to political post

not everyone is inclined to be a pulpit bandit or yam eater

Islie:
2027: ‘They live in rented apartments but want to be governor’ — Eno fires at challengers

Governor Eno has questioned the credentials of unnamed political challengers, saying some live in rented apartments yet seek to govern Akwa Ibom.



https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/south-south-regional/884186-2027-they-live-in-rented-apartments-but-want-to-be-governor-eno-fires-at-challengers.html

Hear una pastor.. after they will say touch not my anointed.

How many houses did Jesus have?

Na people wey dey rate all these so-called men of god Shaa. Me wey don tear my uncle way be Catholic priest better slap right in his white cassock.
Far back when I was still an undergrad sef.

Living in a rented apartment or owning your own apartment is not a criterion for contesting a political position in Nigeria. The last time I checked, politics is about ideas and what you have to offer the people you seek to serve. This is an unreasonable statement.

DEROXMAN:
And thats supposed to be a pastor

Really sad.









Not enough original content
Please take a moment to write a quality post with at least 20 characters.

Yet, this one is supposedly a pastor

Okay... So, someone living in a rented apartment can't have what it takes to lead and govern?!!

...And being wealthy automatically makes a person a good leader?!


This is a whole state governor o.

...And you wonder why Cross Rivers and Akwa Ibom have been steadily declining for years. Smh.

My governor aka albino governor says what's the matter??

Some of these politicians lose their senses when they get political power. Especially Apc politicians

Exactly what came to my mind... Anyway, there are pastors and there are Pastors

DEROXMAN:
And thats supposed to be a pastor

That is why you guys made nomination form so expensive so the ordinary man won't have access so that you guys keep looting and lording over them. Anyways even the ordinary Nigerians once they have access to the cake, their brain resets from good to evil only few though.

No be pastor dey call this albino again?

Says a cook !!!

No experience. Just a cook
Now he has mouth.

obeegee:
So someone who cant afford to buy a house cannot become governor?

Is that a new criteria?

If you cannot afford to buy a house how can you afford to even campaign to be governor? Make una dey think small small ooo. No be requured creteria to show your personal achievements in life to show that you have capacity to govern a state? Abi una think say na everybody mumu dey support former governor wey no achieve anything to show for 8 years in office but want to be president becausehe igbo and catholic Christian?

Umo Eno na crase man

Very incompetent being

That is why the poor would remain poorer when the rich can be this despicable to speak ill of the sons and daughters of nobody.

Keep supporting evil men in power.

A governor is a public servant and officer. What is required isnt mansions but crediblity to serve and deliver on campagin promises.

1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Section 1, subsection 82 of the criminal code:
It is a crime to live in a rented apartment and be a governor in Nigeria.

All members of APC are daft.

Majority of the governors in this country are low IQ individuals.

I don't want to abuse u for being bereft of knowledge.

There is no law any where in the world that says for u to become President,governor or even a senator or state House member, that u have to have a house.

That is how u guys are bringing classisms into Nigerian politics without using ur heads.

Now, it is clear that the poor man can not save himself especially for choosing to accept everything said to him.

Shame on u for being fed nonsense and swallowing it like a hungry lion.

psalmsjob:
If you cannot afford to buy a house how can you afford to even campaign to be governor? Make una dey think small small ooo. No be requured creteria to show your personal achievements in life to show that you have capacity to govern a state? Abi una think say na everybody mumu dey support former governor wey no achieve anything to show for 8 years in office but want to be president becausehe igbo and catholic Christian?

Where was himself living 10yrs ago, before he eventually started benefiting from the national cake through his god father?

This Abino has lost his senses.