…Says governor’s daughter accused him of role in family deaths
…Vows to unseat him in 2027
A political storm is brewing in Akwa Ibom State as governorship aspirant, Nseabasi S. J. King, has not only launched a blistering and unrestrained attack on Governor Umo Eno, but has also openly declared his ambition to unseat the incumbent in the 2027 governorship election, insisting that the governor has “lost a lot of goodwill” and can no longer be trusted with the political future of the state.
In a strongly worded interview with Themail, King said his decision to speak out was triggered by what he described as a deeply offensive remark allegedly made by the governor.
“Who are you that I should pick your call,’ struck a raw nerve in me and ever since that vitriol, I have been struggling with what to make of it. I am afraid that things may never be the same again.”
Reacting further, King expressed disappointment over what he sees as a collapse of the peaceful and humble image many once attributed to the governor.
“Yes. It was a sad day for many of us here in the state, especially for those of us who were already in the streets crying, ‘…we’ve found him, we’ve found him.’ Peace is upon us. Behold, the lamb of God, meek and mild. Obongemem! Obongemem!! I personally celebrated his assumed disposition to peace when I wrote, May 29: Who Was, Who Is & Who Is To Come, during his first anniversary celebrations, but sadly, it is becoming clearer by the day that we may have celebrated a bit too early.”
Dismissing suggestions that the governor’s conduct may have been a one-off incident, King argued that it reflects a deeper character, drawing a sharp biblical analogy.
“The conquering lion of the tribe of Judah went to the cross as a lamb… The admonition to turn the other cheek was still the lamb in him… unless a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
He said the governor now exhibits what he described as a “dual personality,” particularly in the handling of issues relating to justice.
“One moment, he is treating defamation of character with a slap on the wrist, the next moment, he is killing a fly with a sledge hammer on the same issue of law.”
Citing a controversial family-related incident, King made one of his most explosive claims: “After the first lady’s passing, I saw a video… The governor’s daughter in plain language accused the father of having a hand in the untimely deaths in the family. It was unthinkable.”
He argued that the handling of that situation, compared to others, reveals a pattern of bias and selective justice.
“The only wrong that convicts Princess Udoito in her circumstance is the odd fact that she is not the governor’s daughter. QED.”
Drawing a moral comparison, he added: “So, between the daughter of Ubium and a daughter of Eket, we must save Barabbas and crucify the Nazarene. What manner of leadership. What sense of justice.”
The aspirant further accused the governor of running a divisive administration, warning that such tendencies could have serious political consequences.
“It is glaring that Umo Bassey Eno’s leadership is divisive, segregatory and clannish, and it is going to become increasingly difficult to defend these excesses as the 2027 elections draw near.”
He cited specific instances to back his claims, including the relocation of a federal constituency engagement.
“When it was time for Etinan federal constituency, he took it to Nsit Ubium instead of the federal constituency headquarters, Etinan… An Etinan federal constituency man who did not feel at home in Etinan until he got to Ikot Edibon in Nsit Ubium is what? It was ridiculous.”
King said the development raised serious concerns for him, prompting him to seek clarification from top government officials.
“That was when I became jittery and I said to myself, Nseabasi, we’re riding a tiger and might end up in its belly anytime soon. We cannot trust this man with our political future. At some point, I had to tag the SSG on a WhatsApp platform administered by Prince Emmanuel Sam to ask, what is the meaning of this?”
Despite claims of growing endorsements for the governor, including from key stakeholders, King dismissed such support as misleading and politically orchestrated.
“You’ll have to read the room again. Did you see the faces of Etinan political leaders on that day at Ikot Edibon? Look, we don’t suffer fools gladly. Umo Eno is playing double dodge with the wrong set of people. We’re too sophisticated in politicking to be taken for a ride. Just watch the horizon as things unfold.”
He further downplayed the significance of the endorsements, suggesting they lack genuine grassroots backing.
“And for the endorsement, it is a buy 2 get 1 free package. I won’t say more. After this interview, expect more endorsements but I warn, do not count your eggs before they are hatched. This is politics and 5 minutes is a lot of time.”
Taking a swipe at broader political support for the governor, King warned that even experienced political actors may be miscalculating.
“Umo Eno has become a case of what was ordered and what was delivered, so we’re processing a refund. See! The Senate President’s experience and understanding of politics in the last 3 decades is about to be seriously tested this time. If his political journey were to be likened to a career in accounting, this would be his ICAN exams. He should approach Umo Eno’s second term aspiration with caution.”
He concluded with a strong warning on the risks of supporting the governor’s re-election bid.
“How do you expect an Nsit Ubium man who did not feel at home in Etinan, would not feel at home in Eket, to suddenly feel at home in Ikot Ekpene? How? Think! You can only trust Umo Bassey Eno with a second term ticket at your own peril.”
Reiterating his earlier position, King maintained that public confidence in the governor has eroded significantly.
“People are beginning to speak up… they’ve had enough. He has lost a lot of goodwill. Maybe, we were babysitting him all along.”
In one of his most striking remarks, he declared: “The one we brought to solve our problems has become the problem himself… one week, one trouble.”
King concluded by drawing a clear political battle line ahead of the next election cycle, vowing to mobilize support to remove the incumbent governor in 2027, while positioning himself as a credible alternative and a “dark horse” in the race. The interview signals a sharp escalation in political rhetoric within the state, setting the stage for what promises to be an intense and closely watched governorship contest in the coming years.
