Despite the public endorsement of Governor Umo Eno by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State may still challenge the governor in the 2027 governorship election.
Uduak Ikpat, a prominent APC chieftain in Etinan Local Government Area, stated that Akpabio’s personal endorsement of Eno does not necessarily translate to the official position of the party in the upcoming race. Speaking in an interview, Ikpat clarified that although Akpabio has expressed support for Governor Eno’s re-election, the APC has not yet made any formal decision regarding its candidate for the 2027 election.
“Senator Godswill Akpabio has not come out to say that the APC in Akwa Ibom State will not field a governorship candidate in 2027,” Ikpat said, emphasizing that the party’s internal processes and consultations would ultimately determine its decision.
Governor Umo Eno, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has reciprocated Akpabio’s support by endorsing the Senate President’s re-election bid, raising the possibility of a political alliance between the two leaders. However, the APC’s official stance remains unclear, with party insiders suggesting that the party may still consider fielding its own candidate.
As the 2027 governorship election approaches, the dynamics between personal endorsements and party strategies in Akwa Ibom State continue to unfold, with both the PDP and APC closely monitoring developments.
