The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has thrown his weight behind the re-election bid of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, just a day after the governor publicly declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term.
Governor Eno, a prominent member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made headlines on Tuesday when he became the first opposition governor to openly endorse President Tinubu’s re-election ambition. In a swift and symbolic response, Senator Akpabio—an influential figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—reciprocated the gesture by endorsing Eno’s second term ambition.
Speaking during a public lecture organised by the Faculty of Social Science at the University of Uyo, Akpabio commended Governor Eno’s bold political move and pledged the APC’s support for his continued leadership.
“Sir, for doing that, I am a member of the All Progressives Congress. I am speaking for the elders and to tell you, we are also going to support you for a second term,” Akpabio declared, drawing a round of applause from attendees, including the governor.
Akpabio, who was represented at the event by the Chairperson of the National Assembly Service Commission, Saviour Enyiekere, added, “You broke a record yesterday by being the first opposition governor to endorse Mr. President for a second term. We will support you in whatever aspiration you have.”
The event also served as a celebration of Governor Eno’s academic achievements. The governor, who is an alumnus of the University of Uyo, was recently awarded a doctorate in Political Science, with a specialisation in Public Administration. As the guest speaker, he delivered a lecture titled, “Leading Economic Development in Sub-Nationals of the Nigerian Federation: The Arise Agenda.”
The endorsement signals a rare moment of political unity and could set the tone for future bipartisan collaboration in Akwa Ibom and beyond.
