Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has openly endorsed the second term ambition of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement was made at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium during a Town Hall meeting organized by Governor Eno for constituents of Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency.
Speaking through his wife, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, who represented him at the event, the Senate President assured the governor of the full backing of the All Progressives Congress, describing Eno as a transformational leader whose style of governance has brought positive change to the state.
“Governor Umo Eno is a God-sent leader who has changed the narrative of governance in Akwa Ibom. I assure him of the support of the APC to ensure he continues in office beyond 2027,” she stated.
“Akwa Ibom APC will support Umo Eno for second term and we are serious about it,” she added.
It was also gathered that the APC’s endorsement of Eno’s second term bid had earlier been echoed by Dr. Saviour Enyiekere, Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission and another party chieftain. Enyiekere, who represented Akpabio at a public lecture delivered by Eno at the University of Uyo earlier in the week, reaffirmed the party’s alignment with the governor’s developmental vision.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Eno expressed appreciation for the support from APC leaders and used the occasion to unveil a major empowerment initiative targeted at young entrepreneurs in the constituency. He announced the disbursement of N260 million in grants and equipment to 655 beneficiaries, including farmers and small business owners.
“We encourage the beneficiaries to make good use of the cash and equipment given to them to grow their businesses,” Eno said.
He emphasized that the empowerment initiative was in line with his campaign promise to support local enterprise and economic growth across the state.
“My decision to empower farmers and small-scale business owners in this area was a fulfilment of my campaign promise. This Town Square meeting provides an opportunity for me to meet and interact with the people, brief you on the government’s developmental efforts in this area as well as gather inputs on areas requiring intervention through the NEEDS document,” he added.
