Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The re-election bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, received a major boost at the weekend as stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state rallied behind the three political leaders ahead of the 2027 general election.
The stakeholders, drawn from across party lines in Akwa Ibom North-west Senatorial District, unanimously endorsed the trio for another term in office, declaring their readiness to deploy their political structures to secure their victories at the polls.
The endorsement followed a meeting of critical stakeholders in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, where the participants reviewed the political situation in the state and assessed the performances and contributions of the three leaders.
The resolution, contained in a communique read by the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Unyime Idem, was adopted through a voice vote after a motion moved by Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien and seconded by Hon. Iboro Ekanem.
The stakeholders, according to their Communique, specifically endorsed Tinubu for a second term as President; Akpabio for another term as Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-west Senatorial District; and Eno for a second term as Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
“After reviewing the political situation and assessing the contributions and performance of the leaders and representatives, the stakeholders resolved to endorse them for another term in office in the 2027 general elections,” the communique stated.
The development was particularly significant because the endorsement cuts across the governing APC and opposition parties, with the presence of the state PDP chairman, Aniekan Akpan, and other opposition politicians at the meeting.
Reacting to the endorsement, Akpabio attributed the development to what he described as the peaceful political atmosphere prevailing in Akwa Ibom State, saying the emerging unity among politicians had brought opposition elements together in support of Tinubu, himself and Eno.
“The peace in the state has finally led to the opposition parties joining to declare that they all stand on the mandate of Mr President,” Akpabio said.
He described the endorsement as evidence of political unity in Akwa Ibom North-west, expressing confidence that the support would translate into electoral victory for the three candidates in 2027.
“We are very happy with this grand endorsement of Mr President, myself and our governor. It shows that there is unity in this state, particularly in Akwa Ibom North-west Senatorial District.
“This support and endorsement would be demonstrated on election day. I can assure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno that the people of this district will give them 100 per cent of the votes,” he said.
The endorsement was further reinforced by prominent political and security figures at the meeting, including former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Don Etiebet; retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Udom Ekpoudom; and Senators Aloysius Etuk, Emmanuel Ibokessien and Chris Ekpenyong.