Despite belonging to rival political parties, Senate President Godswill Akpabio of the All Progressives Congress has publicly pledged his support for Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno of the Peoples Democratic Party to secure a second term in 2027.
This show of bipartisan unity comes on the heels of Governor Eno’s earlier declaration of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC to continue in office beyond 2027.
Our correspondent gathered that both Akpabio and Eno have reached a mutual understanding to support each other’s political ambitions: Akpabio for a return to the Senate and Eno for re-election to the Hilltop Mansion, the official residence of the Akwa Ibom State Governor.
Governor Eno has consistently maintained that he would not support any aspirant from the PDP or any other political party for the Senate seat, unless such a candidate could ascend to the position of Senate President. In response, Akpabio has now reciprocated this loyalty by throwing his weight behind the governor’s re-election.
Akpabio, who was represented by his wife, Dr. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, made the declaration at a town square meeting organised by Governor Eno to empower residents of the Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, and Obot Akara Federal Constituency. The event was held at the Ikot Ekpene Stadium.
Welcoming the governor to the constituency, Akpabio lauded Eno for the impactful projects he has executed in the area, noting that such efforts form the basis for recommending him for a second term.
He further appreciated the governor for empowering residents with business grants, stating that Akwa Ibom would attain greater development if successive administrations emulated Eno’s inclusive leadership approach.
The Senate President urged the people to unite across religious, political, and ethnic lines to foster the growth of the state. He reaffirmed his readiness to “support the Governor beyond 2027 irrespective of party affiliation.”
In response, Governor Eno, visibly elated, said the empowerment of over 664 farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs in Ikot Ekpene with grants totalling N260 million was just the beginning, and an opportunity to do even more for the people.
According to a breakdown of the grants, 210 farmers received N105 million, 255 traders were given N125 million, six beneficiaries from the Small and Medium Enterprises category received N5 million each, while 184 individuals benefited from equipment support. Additionally, nine people were given cars of different types.
Governor Eno urged beneficiaries to utilise the resources prudently and assured that “the Needs Document received from the constituents will be carefully studied and accommodated in next year’s budget for effective implementation.”
He also thanked the people of the constituency for their unwavering support, which he said has enabled him to deliver meaningful democratic dividends to the zone.
