Senate President Godswill Akpabio has publicly endorsed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governor Umo Eno for a second term in the 2027 governorship election. This endorsement, delivered by Akpabio’s wife at a town hall meeting in Ikot Ekpene Sports Stadium on Friday, April 18, 2025, comes just two days after Governor Eno voiced his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The unusual alliance between Akpabio, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the PDP governor has stirred significant political discussion in the state.
During the town hall, Akpabio’s wife conveyed his gratitude to Governor Eno for providing business grants to local residents, urging unity and the setting aside of political, religious, and ethnic differences for the state’s development.
Patrick Umoh, representing the Ikot Ekpene-Obot Akara-Essien Udim Federal Constituency, echoed this sentiment, praising Governor Eno’s leadership and advocating for his re-election in 2027, a motion that received enthusiastic support from the gathered crowd.
Governor Eno, in his address, announced the distribution of N260 million in grants to support local farmers, traders, and small business owners. Specifically:
- 210 farmers received a total of N105 million.
- 255 traders received a total of N125 million.
- 6 entrepreneurs each received N5 million.
Additionally, other beneficiaries received business tools and vehicles. Governor Eno cautioned recipients against misusing the funds and stated that prior beneficiaries would not be eligible for future grants.
He also announced that a community needs assessment document had been compiled and would be used to inform the 2026 budget, emphasizing citizen participation in the budgetary process. Governor Eno pledged to review the document and incorporate as many identified needs as possible, contingent on available resources.
