General News
Akwa Ibom @39: Akpabio Backs Tinubu, Eno for 2027
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has predicted a decisive victory for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, signalling what he described as a strategic shift in the nation’s political landscape.
Akpabio made the prediction during the state’s 39th anniversary celebrations, where he highlighted the political stability achieved in the oil-rich Niger Delta region as a model for the nation’s electoral roadmap.
He called for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, and himself.
Addressing a diverse gathering of stakeholders, Akpabio described the 2027 election as a referendum on continuity and structural reforms. He said the economic policies introduced by President Tinubu, although requiring significant sacrifices from Nigerians, remained necessary for the country’s long-term industrialisation and infrastructure development.
“The case for re-electing President Tinubu rests on national stabilization and long-term economic reforms,” Akpabio said. “The ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda is a trajectory that Nigeria must maintain to achieve sustained prosperity.”
Akpabio also praised Governor Eno, a member of the opposition, for adopting what he described as a non-partisan and pragmatic approach to governance.
He said Eno had helped bridge historical political divides in the state, creating what he described as a unified front that could contribute to stability and development in the Niger Delta region.
Beyond politics, Akpabio used the anniversary celebration to advocate greater regional integration, particularly between Akwa Ibom and neighbouring Cross River State.
Drawing attention to the cultural and historical ties between the two states, the Senate President called for stronger formal cooperation and institutionalised partnerships.
“We are one people, one history, and one future,” Akpabio declared, stressing that the economic potential of the South-South region could be fully harnessed through cross-border collaboration.
The anniversary also provided an opportunity to reflect on the history and development of Akwa Ibom State. Established through the efforts and advocacy of its founding leaders, the state has grown from a modest administrative territory into one of Nigeria’s significant states.
Akpabio paid tribute to the pioneers of the state, saying its development had been driven largely by the resilience, talent and intellectual capacity of its people.
“Our greatest resource has always been our people,” he said, citing their achievements in areas including academia, sports and the global professional services industry.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Akpabio’s call for the re-election of Tinubu, Eno and himself places continuity and collaboration at the centre of his political message.
As Akwa Ibom approaches its 40th anniversary next year, the relationship between the state administration in Uyo and the Federal Government in Abuja is expected to remain an important feature of the political conversation ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.