IKOT EKPENE, Nigeria — Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Friday, May 16, 2025, declared that political party affiliations in Akwa Ibom State would no longer matter in the 2027 general elections, asserting that support has consolidated behind himself, Governor Umo Eno, and President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking during a midterm constituency empowerment event at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Akpabio — who represents Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District — told a crowd of supporters and beneficiaries that “there is nothing like a political party in 2027 in Akwa Ibom State again.”
“For the Senate of Ikot-Ekpene Senatorial District, all political parties have collapsed to vote for Senator Godswill Akpabio,” he said.
“For the office of the governor in 2027, all political parties have agreed to vote for Governor Umo Eno.”
Akpabio also took aim at the opposition, stating, “The Peoples Democratic Party is in shreds and the umbrella can no longer protect.”
The Senate President praised Governor Eno as a unifying leader and a man of genuine faith.
“Umo Eno is a man of peace. Umo Eno is a man of God. I’m not talking about those who profess God with their lips. I’m talking of those who practice God in their heart. Umo Eno has brought all of us together,” he said.
The empowerment programme saw a total of 1,690 constituents receive items and tools to aid small-scale enterprises and agricultural activities.
Among the items distributed were 30 minibuses, 67 passenger tricycles, 50 cassava processing machines, 347 deep freezers, 247 power generators, truckloads of 50kg bags of rice, and cash grants.
Akpabio also used the occasion to commend his wife, Unoma Akpabio, for her independent empowerment efforts across the state.
“She does it because she knows hunger has no political party,” he said.
“My wife, please feed my people whether I am around or not. Keep on sharing. Akwa Ibom people will show you love soon.”
Following the stadium event, the Senate President moved to commission several constituency projects.
According to him, 68 life-impacting projects were lined up for commissioning between Friday, May 16 and Thursday, May 17.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area commended Akpabio’s enduring commitment to development and grassroots empowerment.
“Even right from his days as commissioner and governor, and now Senate President, Akpabio has remained committed to his people,” he said.
