RismadarVoice Reporters, May 12, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Monday night formally consulted the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCFR, over his planned re-election bid ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The consultation meeting, held in Abuja, brought together key political leaders and stakeholders from Akwa Ibom State across party lines, in what observers described as a major show of unity and reconciliation within the state’s political leadership.
Speaking during the visit, Governor Eno said the delegation came to appreciate Senator Akpabio for his continued support and commitment to the development and political stability of Akwa Ibom State.
He explained that the visit was also aimed at formally seeking the Senate President’s blessings and support for his second-term ambition.
“We came to appreciate you and thank you for accepting us and for protecting the interests of Akwa Ibom State. We thought it wise to come and consult you officially ahead of the journey,” the governor said.
Governor Eno also appreciated the wife of the Senate President for what he described as her motherly support and hospitality.
The governor stressed the importance of unity among political leaders in the state, noting that the collective interest and progress of Akwa Ibom must remain paramount above political differences.
He assured the Senate President that Akwa Ibom State would support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid in 2027, while also backing Senator Akpabio’s return as Senate President.
According to him, political stakeholders in the state would work together to ensure victory for all candidates aligned with the emerging political coalition in the state.
Earlier, the Director-General of Campaigns, Chief Assam Assam, SAN, described Governor Eno as a leader distinguished by humility, compassion and dedication to service, while commending Senator Akpabio for what he termed his outstanding representation of Akwa Ibom at the national level.
Former Senators Effiong Bob and Emmanuel Ibok Essien, in separate goodwill messages, praised the cordial relationship between Governor Eno and Senator Akpabio, describing the growing political harmony in the state as unprecedented.
Also speaking, former Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, lauded Governor Eno for sustaining peace and inclusive governance through the ARISE Agenda, while commending Senator Akpabio for his contributions to national development.
The State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, thanked Senator Akpabio for encouraging party members to support the governor, describing Pastor Eno as a humble leader committed to the welfare of the people.
Responding, Senator Akpabio appreciated Governor Eno and members of the delegation for the consultation visit and expressed condolences over the passing of the governor’s wife.
He described Governor Eno as “humility personified” and commended him for promoting peace and unity across political divides in Akwa Ibom State.
The Senate President assured the governor of his support ahead of the 2027 election and expressed confidence in his re-election victory.
Akpabio also urged political stakeholders in the state to work towards delivering overwhelming support for President Tinubu in the next general election, stressing that Akwa Ibom stands to benefit from sustained collaboration with the Federal Government.
