Senate President Godswill Akpabio has openly expressed his backing for the re-election of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial poll.
The endorsement, which marks a rare moment of cross-party alliance, was delivered by his wife, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, during a community engagement event held at the Ikot Ekpene Sports Stadium.
This show of support follows closely on the heels of Governor Eno’s public declaration in favor of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu completing a second term in office.
Akpabio, a high-ranking figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), commended Eno, who belongs to the opposition party, for fostering inclusive leadership and implementing grassroots development programs across the state.
Conveying her husband’s message, Mrs. Akpabio praised the governor’s efforts to uplift the people, particularly through economic empowerment initiatives.
She noted that Akwa Ibom would benefit greatly if future administrations continued in a similar governance style.
“The Senate President is deeply grateful for the various people-centered projects executed in this federal constituency.
He urges everyone to set aside political and ethnic differences for the sake of the state’s advancement and reaffirms his support for Governor Eno beyond 2027,” she said.
Lending his voice at the event, Hon. Patrick Umoh, who represents Ikot Ekpene-Obot Akara and Essien Udim Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, praised the governor’s style of governance.
Umoh, also of the APC, described the meeting as a practical demonstration of democratic values and proposed a motion for Eno’s return to office in 2027 — a suggestion that received unanimous approval from attendees.
In response, Governor Umo Eno thanked the people of Ikot Ekpene for their strong support and commitment to the success of his administration.
As part of the occasion, the governor unveiled a financial support package totaling N260 million for 664 small business operators, farmers, and traders.
According to the distribution breakdown, 210 farmers received a combined N105 million, while 255 traders were granted N125 million.
Six entrepreneurs under the SME category were awarded N5 million each. In addition, 184 individuals received business equipment, and nine others were presented with vehicles.
Governor Eno urged recipients to manage the grants wisely and use them to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
He emphasized that this initiative would not be repeated for past beneficiaries, encouraging them to maximize the opportunity.
He also acknowledged receipt of a community-generated “Needs Document” and pledged that his administration would review and incorporate its recommendations into the 2026 state budget, in line with the government’s people-focused agenda.
“We are here today to say thank you to Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency for your continued backing. The proposals we’ve received will help shape next year’s budget. Though we may not be able to fund every item at once, we will ensure that the most pressing needs are addressed within available resources,” he stated.
Governor Eno assured the people that his administration remains committed to inclusive governance and delivering projects that directly impact communities across the state.
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