Umo Eno Second Term Endorsement: Senate President Akpabio on a Personal Voyage – Akwa Ibom APC Chieftain
_Uduak Ikpat, a founding member of the APC and the party leader in his political ward in Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has shared his thoughts on recent political developments._
Uduak Ikpatt
The endorsement of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, for a second term in office by Senate President Godswill Akpabio has been described as a personal decision.
Ikpat made this known in an interview with *Premium Times*, stating that Senator Akpabio does not speak on behalf of the Akwa Ibom APC.
According to him, “Senator Godswill Akpabio has not spoken officially for the party. He is the leader of the party in the South-South—no one can contest that. But for now, he has not spoken officially on behalf of the party.”
“Yes, he is a political leader, just like I am a political leader in my ward. But I cannot speak for the entire party in my ward—it’s not possible. A leader has to consult with the people, which is normal. The party is supreme, so they say—it’s not a one-man affair.”
He further stated that “politics is deep,” and clarified that the Senate President never said the APC would not field a candidate in the 2027 governorship election. He suggested that Akpabio’s endorsement may simply be a personal political statement.
“The Senate President said that if you (Governor Eno) support my president—the president of the country—I will support you. He did not say that the APC will support you.”
When asked to elaborate, he added:
“What I mean is that Senator Akpabio has not come out to say that the APC in Akwa Ibom State will not field a governorship candidate in 2027.”
Ikpat, a political leader of Northern Ward 2 in Etinan, also commended Pastor Umo Eno for his leadership style and approach to governance.
“Economic development and prosperity don’t require political war. I commend him. Honestly, his style of politics is one of the best. I can tell you that Akwa Ibom is better off.”
