From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
Stakeholders across the major political parties in have expressed support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno in 2027.
The stakeholders, drawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other political interests, agreed to support the three leaders for another term in office at a meeting in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State on Saturday.
The development is particularly significant against the backdrop of the traditionally competitive political environment in the state, with members of the opposition joining APC stakeholders to endorse the trio.
According to a statement by the special adviser to Akpabio on Media, Jackson Udom, the endorsement was made following an assessment of the performance and political contributions of Tinubu, Akpabio and Eno.
The decision was formally conveyed in a communique read by the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Unyime Idem, and adopted by the stakeholders through a voice vote.
Akpabio, who is from the district, interpreted the cross-party endorsement as a reflection of the relative political harmony in Akwa Ibom, saying the development had created an opportunity for politicians to close ranks ahead of the elections.
“The peace in the state has finally led to the opposition parties joining to declare that they all stand on the mandate of Mr President,” he said.
The Senate President added that the support would go beyond a political declaration, expressing confidence that it would translate into votes for Tinubu and Eno during the 2027 elections.
“We are very happy for this grand endorsement of Mr President, myself and our governor. It shows that there is unity in this state, particularly in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District,” Akpabio said, adding, “This support and endorsement would be demonstrated on the election day. I can assure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno that the people of this District will give them 100 percent of the votes.”
Akpabio used the occasion to appeal to politicians to avoid actions capable of reopening old political wounds, urging those on opposing sides to forgive past grievances and work towards a peaceful election.
“Whoever we have wronged in the course of our politicking, let us forgive and forget so that we can move in one direction and voice during the electioneering and voting,” he said.
Senior figures from different political camps were present at the meeting, including the PDP chairman in Akwa Ibom State, Aniekan Akpan, as well as some opposition candidates contesting National Assembly seats., former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Don Etiebet; former Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Udom Ekpoudom; Senators Aloysius Etuk, Emmanuel Ibokessien and Chris Ekpenyong, alongside other political stakeholders from the district.
(The Sun)