Senate President Godswill Akpabio has endorsed Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno’s re-election bid, despite belonging to different political parties. Akpabio, a top figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), threw his weight behind Eno, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), just one day after the governor publicly supported President Bola Tinubu’s second-term campaign.
According to Legit.ng, the endorsement took place on Tuesday, April 16, during a public lecture held by the Faculty of Social Science at the University of Uyo. Governor Eno, who was the guest lecturer, recently earned a doctorate in political science and addressed the theme “Leading Economic Development in Sub-Nationals of the Nigerian Federation, the Arise Agenda.”
Akpabio did not attend in person but was represented by Saviour Enyiekere, the chair of the National Assembly Service Commission. During the speech, he expressed admiration for Governor Eno’s performance and pledged full support for his 2027 aspirations.
“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,” he stated. “We will support you in whatever aspiration you have.”
Eno’s endorsement of President Tinubu came during the flag-off of the Akwa Ibom section of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project. At that event, he declared that Tinubu would complete a full eight-year term and emphasized his administration’s willingness to collaborate with the APC-led federal government.
Eno noted that President Tinubu “has shown us love and has worked with us across party lines.” In response, he promised continued cooperation with the presidency.
The recent exchanges suggest a deepening alliance between key players from opposing parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. Akpabio’s move, in particular, signals a strategic gesture rarely seen in Nigeria’s highly polarized political space.
Before becoming governor, Umo Eno served as Akwa Ibom’s commissioner for lands and water resources. He is also a pastor and founder of All Nations Christian Ministry International.
Akpabio’s support appears to reaffirm the governor’s rising influence and ability to bridge party divisions.
Article updated 1 month ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
