Netizens React As Presidential Aide Onanuga Says "APC Plane Ready to Fly", Assures Defecting Governor Eno of "A Mighty Good Ride"

Olufemi Orunsola 

A barrage of banters and reactions by netizens has greeted a press statement released by President Tinubu's media aid, Bayo Onanuga over the readiness of the plane of the ruling All Progressives Congress to give defecting politicians a mighty good ride to their choice destination".

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that, following a post by President Tinubu's aide, Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday, on his official X (formerly twitter) handle, credited to the National Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka, Esq, a barrage of banters was let loose by netizens.

Onanuga, posted the press release by the APC National Publicity Secretary which reads in full: The All Progressives Congress (APC) notes the musing of His Excellency, Umo Eno, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom state, that likened the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to a faulty airplane, incapable of taking safely to the skies, creating an imperative to seek alternative flight onward.

We couldn’t agree more that Plane PDP has become demonstrably inoperable and unsafe for travel. 

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. 

Our pilots and crew are highly competent, welcoming, attentive to detail, and on standby to serve. 

We assure Governor Eno that a flight with us will be a mighty good ride to remember. 

However, in swift reactions to the post by the Presidential Aide, some netizens have thrown their weights against the post.

An X user, simply named Characteristics, replying to @aoonanug1956 said that "While the @OfficialAPCNg through its spokesman and the presidency basks in metaphors and political theatrics over defections, millions of Nigerians face daily hardship — rising inflation, unemployment, failing infrastructure, and growing insecurity. The mood of the Nation is not celebratory; it is tense, uncertain, and weary.

He further maintained that, "Rather than exchange witty analogies about aircrafts, our leaders should confront the stark reality on the ground. The real "flight" Nigerians are looking for is one out of poverty, hopelessness, and broken promises — not party hopping that does little to improve their lives.

He therefore insisisted that "It’s time political actors such as @_PastorUmoEno and other opposition figures in @OfficialPDPNig @NgLabour @OfficialNNPPng step off their euphoric campaign stages and step into the everyday suffering of the people. Governance is not a joyride; it is responsibility. And right now, the citizens are not being flown- they’re being left behind.

Another netizen, Longefemi @ logphem said, "You are a presidential spokesman, not the party spokesman. Felix Morka should be tweeting this, not you".

Eberechi Iroha @ EbetechIroha said, "When there is no job and work to do, anything can be job, all na work."

Yazid Mk, @YazudMk in his own response remarked, "APC great Party for all Nigerians."

A user, Deacon @ ChukaOchioma posted, "I leave the so-called Pastor Eno with (Proverbs 14:12).

Reflecting on the implications of the new waves of deflections from the PDP to the rulling All Progressives Congress (APC), another user, 

Atikase Otito@atikase posted, "Atiku Abubakar has been left in the dungeon of political stagnation. He is not destined to be president."

ErnestUmojose @ ernestumojose2 opined that "Governor Eno is irresponsible. A faulty plane needs repair and not abandonment. There’s no democracy in ceding all political machineries to one political party because that means giving absolute power to man like @officialABAT. That is too risky and dangerous for our nation.

Sounding sarcastic and satirical, Solomon Cole @adedamolacole1 replied, "APC should now change its name to APC United and buy Seven best players from People Dundee United. I can assure you that by 2027 season the PDU will face relegation."