Akpabio backs PDP’s Gov Umo Eno for second term in 2027

In Akp

Akpabio, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), made his endorsement public through his wife, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, during a Town Square meeting held at the Ikot Ekpene Sports Stadium on Thursday.

This development follows Governor Eno’s recent expression of support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambitions.

During the event, Akpabio praised Governor Eno’s leadership and empowerment initiatives, especially his efforts to support constituents with financial grants. He emphasized the need for future administrations to adopt Eno’s inclusive governance 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 stated.

Adding to the show of support, Patrick Umoh, who represents the Ikot Ekpene-Obot Akara and Essien Udim Federal Constituency under the APC platform, described the gathering as a true reflection of democratic engagement. He proposed a motion for Eno’s re-election, which received unanimous backing from the crowd.

Governor Eno, in response, announced the distribution of N260 million in grants to 664 beneficiaries, including farmers, traders, entrepreneurs, and others. A detailed breakdown revealed that 210 farmers received N105 million, 255 traders got N125 million, while six SMEs secured N5 million each. Additionally, 184 people were given equipment support and nine others received vehicles.

Eno urged beneficiaries to wisely utilize the funds for sustainable development, cautioning that the scheme would not accommodate repeat beneficiaries.

He also acknowledged the submission of a Needs Document from the constituency, pledging to incorporate its recommendations into the 2026 budget.

“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.