President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio have both publicly endorsed Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for a second term in office ahead of the 2027 general elections. The endorsement came over the weekend during events held in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, where both leaders praised Governor Eno’s leadership style, commitment to peace, and record of development in the state.
President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at a reception following the funeral of Deaconess Eno Nnana Usoro, mother of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor (Operations), Emem Usoro, commended the governor for his remarkable achievements since assuming office. He described Governor Eno as “a man of vision and impactful leadership,” noting that his administration has brought visible transformation to Akwa Ibom through infrastructure development and good governance.
The President highlighted the proliferation of public projects across the state as evidence of Governor Eno’s focus on improving the welfare of the people. He said the governor’s humility and sense of unity have created an atmosphere of stability and inclusiveness, enabling consistent progress across communities. Tinubu’s message, delivered by the Vice President, reaffirmed the federal government’s willingness to collaborate closely with the Akwa Ibom State government for continued development.
While expressing condolences to Ms. Usoro and her family, President Tinubu paid tribute to the late Deaconess Usoro, describing her as a woman of faith, grace, and generosity who devoted her life to service and compassion. He said her legacy of commitment and discipline was clearly reflected in the lives of her children, particularly her daughter Emem Usoro, who he praised for her contributions to national development through her service at the CBN.
At a separate event held at the palace of the Oku Ibom Ibibio and Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Ntennyin Solomon Etuk, Senate President Godswill Akpabio echoed similar sentiments, declaring total support for Governor Eno’s second term bid. Akpabio described Eno as a “man of peace and unity,” commending his decision to align the state politically with the federal government by joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We are solidly behind Governor Umo Eno. I will support him 100 percent to succeed as a second-term governor,” Akpabio said. He also lauded the traditional ruler for his efforts in maintaining harmony across the state, emphasizing that peace remains the foundation for development. Akpabio remarked that Akwa Ibom has enjoyed relative stability due to the governor’s reconciliatory approach and inclusive leadership.
The Senate President further disclosed that upon Eno’s defection to the APC, he personally handed over the state’s party structure to him, reaffirming his commitment to the governor’s success. “When I was the governor, I controlled the structure of the party. Today, I have handed it over to Governor Eno because I believe in his leadership. Together, we will continue to work for peace, unity, and development in Akwa Ibom State,” Akpabio stated.
He urged Akwa Ibom residents to ignore political blackmailers and detractors, assuring them that both the federal and state governments are now fully aligned to bring more democratic dividends to the people. According to him, Eno’s administration has succeeded in uniting the state across ethnic and political divides, a move that he said has enhanced cooperation with the centre and opened the door for more federal support.
In his response, Governor Umo Eno expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and Senate President Akpabio for their words of encouragement and open show of support. He said the visit of such high-profile leaders to the state reflected the growing respect Akwa Ibom now commands under his administration.
Governor Eno also extended condolences to Ms. Usoro and her family, describing her late mother as an exemplary woman whose values of faith and service continue to inspire others. He assured the gathering that his administration remains focused on consolidating ongoing projects in infrastructure, education, agriculture, and industrial development.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining close collaboration with the federal government to ensure the people of Akwa Ibom continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy. He emphasized that unity between the state and the centre would accelerate the pace of development, strengthen peace, and attract more investments.
With this public endorsement from both President Tinubu and Senate President Akpabio, political observers believe Governor Umo Eno’s second-term ambition has received a major boost, setting the stage for what could be one of the most significant political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections in Akwa Ibom State.
