Uyo, Akwa Ibom State – With the 2027 general elections approaching, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has publicly thrown his support behind Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Bassey Eno, as he seeks a second term in office.
This endorsement came just a day after Governor Eno, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), pledged his backing for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Premium Times, Akpabio made his position known on Tuesday, April 16, during a public lecture held by the Faculty of Social Science at the University of Uyo. Represented by Saviour Enyiekere, chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, Akpabio praised the governor’s approach to governance.
“Sir, for doing that, I am a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). I am speaking for the elders and to tell you we are also going to support you for a second term.
We will support you in whatever aspiration you have. Yesterday, you broke a record by being the first opposition governor to declare support for a second term bid of Mr (Bola) Tinubu,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President’s remarks have stirred political conversations, as he is a high-ranking figure in the APC while Governor Eno remains a PDP chieftain. Despite their differing political affiliations, Akpabio’s endorsement appears to signal a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation.
Governor Eno, who recently earned a doctorate in political science with a specialization in public administration, was the guest lecturer at the university event. He spoke on the theme: “Leading Economic Development in Sub-Nationals of the Nigerian Federation: The Arise Agenda.”
His speech and recent political moves have positioned him as a key figure in Akwa Ibom politics ahead of the next election cycle. Though a PDP governor, his support for President Tinubu—leader of the APC—has added an unexpected twist to the political landscape in the South-South region.
Eno, a former Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, is also the founder of All Nations Christian Ministry International. He resigned from his commissioner role in 2021 to contest for the governorship, which he won.
