The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed its readiness to welcome Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno into its fold, responding with a playful tone to his recent criticism of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Felix Morka, APC’s national publicity secretary, reacted to Eno’s remarks where he likened the PDP to a faulty aircraft, saying it “can no longer fly safely.” Eno had hinted at exploring other political options during a recent event in Akwa Ibom.

“We couldn’t agree more that Plane PDP has become demonstrably inoperable and unsafe for travel,” the statement read. “As safety and comfort are prerequisite conditions for flying, our great party assures the governor that Plane APC is fit and ready to fly His Excellency and entourage to their desired destination.”

Morka went on to assure Eno that the APC’s “pilots and crew are highly competent, welcoming, attentive to detail, and on standby to serve,” offering the governor a “mighty good ride to remember” should he decide to switch parties.

This playful exchange follows a period of tension within the PDP, with the party’s national working committee (NWC) holding an emergency meeting over recent defections. During the meeting, acting PDP national chairman Umar Damagun announced that legal action would be pursued over the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other members to the APC.