Despite owing allegiance to different political parties, the Senate president, Senator Godswill Akpabio, of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the centre and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor, Pastor Umo Eno, of Akwa Ibom State, have struck a mutual alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The duo reached a resolution to support each other to return to the Red Chamber and the Hilltop Mansion (Government House), Uyo, the State capital respectively.
While Governor Eno had at different fora declared he would not back any PDP or other aspirants from any other party, except such aspirant would become a Senate president, Senator Akoabio, has openly declared he would also play the political card in favour of Governor Eno.
Akpabio, who was represented by his wife, Dr Ekaette Unoma, made the declaration during an event organised by the governor to empower the people of the federal constituency comprising Ikot Ekpene, Obot Akara and Essien Udim local government areas at Ikot Ekpene stadium.
Welcoming the governor, Akpabio thanked him for the numerous life-touching projects he has executed in the zone, explaining that such feat remains the foundation of his (Eno’s) second term recommendation and supports.
He appreciated the governor for empowering the constituents with business grants, noting that Akwa Ibom would be a greater place if successive administrations would emulate and sustain his inclusive leadership style.
He, therefore, urged the constituents to work in unison towards ensuring that Akwa Ibom grows beyond religious, political and tribal barriers, restating his commitment to “supporting the governor beyond 2027 irrespective of party affiliation.”
The elated governor, who had empowered over 664 farmers, traders and entrepreneurs in Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency with N260 million grants when he hosted the 3rd Town Square meeting in the Constituency, said the gesture was a spur to do more.
A breakdown of the grants showed that 210 farmers received N105 million, 255 traders received N125 million, six beneficiaries of the Small Medium Enterprises got N5million each while 184 were beneficiaries of equipment support, and nine got cars.
Urging the beneficiaries to ensure prudence in managing the grants and other empowerment resources, Governor Eno assured that, “the needs document received from the constituents will be carefully studied and accommodated in next year’s budget for effective implementation.”
He commended the people of the zone for their support, which he acknowledged, has enabled him to deliver democratic dividends to the people.
He said, “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.”
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