Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared his support for Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State in the 2027 gubernatorial election, signalling a rare bipartisan endorsement across party lines in the state’s political landscape.

Akpabio, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, made his position known through his wife, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, during a Town Square meeting held at the Ikot Ekpene Sports Stadium on Thursday.

The Senate President’s endorsement comes after Governor Eno’s public pledge of support for President Bola Tinubu to complete two terms in office on Tuesday.

Akpabio particularly thanked the Governor for empowering the constituents with business grants, adding that Akwa Ibom would be a greater place if successive administrations would emulate and sustain his inclusive leadership style.

“Let me welcome you to Ikot-Ekpene federal Constituency for the Town Square meeting and to appreciate you for the several life-touching projects that you have executed for this constituency

” I urge the constituents to work in unison towards ensuring that Akwa Ibom grows beyond religious, political and tribal barriers. I want to restate my commitment to supporting the Governor beyond 2027 irrespective of party affiliation,” Akpabio said.

The Member representing Ikot Ekpene-Obot Akara and Essien Udim Federal Constituency, Patrick Umoh, in his goodwill message, described the town hall square meeting as a true demonstration of democracy.

Umoh, an APC member, thanked Eno for his inclusive leadership style and moved a motion for the governor’s return to the Hilltop Mansion and this was unanimously endorsed by the constituents.

Responding, Eno, announced N260 grants to 664 farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs during the meeting.

A breakdown of the grants shows that 210 farmers received N105 million, 255 traders received N125 million, six beneficiaries of the Small Medium Enterprises got N5million each while 184 were beneficiaries of equipment support, and nine got cars of different types.

He enjoined the beneficiaries to make use of the grant judiciously to grow their enterprises, better their lives and those of their families, urging them to be prudent in the management of the funds as there was no second chance for those who have benefitted in the scheme.

Eno assured that the Needs Document received from the constituents will be carefully studied and accommodated in next year’s budget for effective implementation, and also commended the people of the Federal Constituency for their support which he acknowledged has enabled him to deliver democratic dividends to the people.

“Today, we came to say to Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, thank you for your support and for the work you have done.

“We have received the Needs Document and I like to say this clearly. This Needs Document is part of what the law requires before preparing a budget. You must engage with the people and that is what we have done by going to the federal constituencies to enhance citizens’ engagement. We will compile it and use it accordingly, though we might not be able to bring everything in, we will implement it according to available funds. So 2026 budget will be the people’s budget”

In his remarks, the Political Leader of Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien while presenting the Needs Document to the Governor, appreciated him for his inclusive and pragmatic leadership which according to him, has transformed the constituency in terms of human capital and infrastructural development, noting that within the last 20 months, over 42 life-touching projects have been executed in the Constituency.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairmen of the three Local Government Areas in the Federal Constituency, the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Council, Hon. Nkom Nkom, commended the Governor for his developmental and transformative leadership in the Constituency, reiterating their commitment to supporting the Governor for another term come 2027.