The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Bassey Eno has called on members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and other political parties to prioritise peace, unity and the overall interest of the state ahead of the 2027 elections primaries.
Governor Eno made the call while speaking with journalists after a successful screening ahead of the APC governorship primaries.
He said prioritising peace and unity above every other consideration would bring progress and development to the state.
The Governor said, “Ahead of the primaries, we should maintain peace and unity in the state. I believe that for the peace of our state, no sacrifice is too great and no ground is too much to shift. This will help us sustain and consolidate on the peace we currently enjoy. Therefore, let us approach the primaries with decorum and remember that our state remains even after politics,” he said.
Meanwhile, in continuation of strategic stakeholders’ engagements ahead of his re-election bid, Governor Eno formally led a delegation of stakeholders to consult the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio in Uyo.
Governor Eno said the delegation visited to appreciate Senator Akpabio for his commitment to the development and protection of Akwa Ibom State’s interests.
“We came to appreciate you and thank you for accepting us and for protecting the interest of Akwa Ibom State. We thought it wise to come home and consult you officially as we undertake this journey,” the Governor said.
He also pledged support of Akwa Ibom State for President Bola Tinubu and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio ahead of the 2027 general election.
He stressed the need for political unity and collective progress, noting that “leaders must place the wellbeing of the people above partisan considerations.’
Responding, Senate President Akpabio appreciated Governor Eno and members of the delegation for the visit and expressed confidence in the Governor’s victory in 2027.
He described Governor Eno as “humility personified,” recalling that he remained unchanged from his days as Chief Executive of Royalty Hotels.
Senator Akpabio also urged stakeholders across the state to work towards delivering overwhelming support for President Tinubu in 2027, noting that Akwa Ibom would benefit from sustained collaboration with the Nigerian Government.
The Director-General of Campaigns, Chief Assam Assam, SAN, described Governor Eno as an embodiment of humility, compassion and dedicated service, while commending Senator Akpabio for his representation of Akwa Ibom State at the national level.
Former Senators, Effiong Bob and Emmanuel Ibok Essien, described the cordial relationship between Governor Eno and Senator Akpabio as unprecedented political harmony in the state.
Speaking on behalf of Eket Senatorial District, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem praised Governor Eno’s inclusive leadership style and commitment to development through the ARISE Agenda, while commending Senator Akpabio’s contributions to national and state affairs.
Also speaking, the Akwa Ibom APC Chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo commended Senator Akpabio for encouraging party members to support Governor Eno, whom he described as a humble leader with genuine love for the people.
Members of the Governor’s delegation included the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN; Sir Monday Uko; Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem; State Women Leader, Obongawan Obonodo Uko and President General of ARISE With Renewed Hope, Uwem Okoko. Others were; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong; Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga; and Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, among other political stakeholders.
