The re-election bids of President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, received a major boost at the weekend as stakeholders across party lines in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District endorsed them for 2027.
The collapse of the PDP and other opposition parties into the APC, to support these three politicians during the 2027 general elections is contained in a statement signed and forwarded to journalists in Abuja on Sunday by Jackson Udom, Special Assistant to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
According to the statement, “Rising from a stakeholders’ meeting in Ikot Ekpene on Saturday, members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, All Progressives Congress, APC, and other political groups unanimously adopted a communique backing the trio”.
The communique was read by the Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Hon. Unyime Idem, following a motion moved by Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien and seconded by Hon. Iboro Ekanem.
It stated: “After reviewing the political situation and assessing the contributions and performance of our leaders, the stakeholders resolved to endorse them for another term in office in the 2027 general elections.
“Accordingly, the meeting endorsed: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for another term as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio for another term as Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District; and Governor Umo Bassey Eno for another term as Governor of Akwa Ibom State.”
Reacting to the endorsement, Senator Akpabio described it as a product of peace in the party and the state. “The peace in the state has finally led to opposition parties joining to declare that they all stand on the mandate of Mr. President,” he said.
“We are very happy for 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 will be demonstrated on election day. I can assure President Tinubu and Governor Eno that the people of this district will give them 100 per cent of the votes.
“You can see the chairman of the PDP in the state, Hon. Aniekan Akpan, is here with us, as well as some opposition candidates. I will continue to solicit peaceful co-existence. Whoever we have wronged in the course of politicking, let us forgive and forget so that we can move in one direction during electioneering and voting,” he added.
Other stakeholders at the meeting included former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Chief Don Etiebet; retired DIG Udom Ekpoudom; Senators Aloysius Etuk and Chris Ekpenyong, who all pledged total support for the re-election of the three leaders.