Akpabio Declares Tinubu, Eno, Himself Unopposed for 2027 Elections

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared that he, President Bola Tinubu, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno will run unopposed in the 2027 general elections. The announcement was made during the second phase of Akpabio’s constituency briefing and empowerment programme held in Ikot Ekpene on Friday.

Akpabio, who represents Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District and is a key figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), made the declaration in the presence of party members and constituents. The bold proclamation comes amid ongoing speculation that Governor Eno, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), may be preparing to defect to the APC.

Governor Eno had earlier endorsed both Akpabio and Tinubu for the 2027 elections, expressing support for Akpabio to continue as Senate President. He hinted at revealing his reasons for backing Tinubu at a later time. Akpabio has since returned the endorsement, backing Eno for a second term as governor and praising him for fostering peace and unity in the state.

Jackson Udom, media aide to the Senate President, said Akpabio acknowledged Eno’s role in maintaining peace and encouraging collaboration across party lines, which he claimed has contributed to the development of Akwa Ibom. According to Udom, the crowd at the event gave a voice vote in support of endorsing Tinubu, Akpabio, and Eno as sole candidates for their respective positions.

Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom, first entered the Senate in 2015 under the PDP but later joined the APC in 2018. After a failed re-election bid in 2019, he made a comeback in 2023 following his resignation as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. Since becoming Senate President, he has facilitated appointments, grants, and scholarships for his constituents.

During the empowerment programme, Akpabio distributed items including mini buses, cars, tricycles, refrigerators, sewing machines, cargo tricycles, and over N2 billion in cash grants and scholarships. Beneficiaries included individuals from across all three senatorial districts of the state.