Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared that Akwa Ibom State will deliver the highest number of votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the South‑South geopolitical zone during the 2027 presidential election. Akpabio made the declaration on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in Uyo, the state capital, during a consultation meeting of critical stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), held at the Government House. The meeting was convened as Governor Umo Eno formally consulted party members and stakeholders over his bid for a second term in office in 2027.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio praised Governor Eno’s leadership style, describing him as “a peaceful governor, a man of God in words and in deeds”. He credited Eno’s inclusive politics and calm disposition with creating a favourable atmosphere for governance and political cooperation. “His ability to carry everybody along gives us the assurance that in the South‑South geopolitical zone, Akwa Ibom will deliver the highest number of votes,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President also commended the governor for consulting stakeholders despite reportedly having no challenger for the party’s governorship ticket. “Despite the fact that he has no one challenging him for the sole ticket of the party, he is humble enough to still consult party members and critical stakeholders in the state. That is very instructive of the kind of person he is,” Akpabio added. He further highlighted ongoing development projects across the state, including the completion of abandoned projects and the commencement of international flights at the Victor Attah International Airport, which he described as evidence of tangible governance.
Akpabio noted that the people and government of Akwa Ibom State remain grateful to President Tinubu for supporting an indigene of the state to occupy the office of Senate President. “The state would demonstrate its appreciation through strong political support in the 2027 elections,” he said, adding that the ongoing political engagements would deepen unity and strengthen the APC’s electoral prospects in the region. The event was also attended by Governor Umo Eno’s delegation, including Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Udeme Otong, and several other political leaders.
This declaration comes amid a broader political realignment in Akwa Ibom State. Governor Umo Eno defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in June 2025, along with several lawmakers and political appointees. Since then, the APC has continued to consolidate its presence in the state through a series of high‑profile defections, including the recent reception of former PDP National Legal Adviser Emmanuel Enoidem into the party by Akpabio and Eno in January 2026.
However, not all signals from the state are harmonious. A group of concerned APC stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State has petitioned President Tinubu and the party’s national leadership, alleging plans by the state government to impose candidates ahead of the forthcoming primaries to the detriment of aboriginal APC members who laboured to build the party before the recent political realignments. The stakeholders warned that if unchecked, the situation could lead to disenfranchisement and voter apathy.
Nevertheless, Akpabio has repeatedly expressed confidence in the party’s electoral strength. In February 2026, he projected a landslide victory for the APC in his home Essien Udim Local Government Area, predicting that the area alone would deliver over 180,000 votes for President Tinubu and Governor Eno.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the Akpabio‑Eno alliance represents one of the most significant political power blocs in the South‑South zone. With Akpabio’s declaration that Akwa Ibom will lead the region in votes for President Tinubu, the state has positioned itself as a critical battleground — and a potential crown jewel — in the APC’s re‑election strategy.
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