By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
Senate President rallies support for APC ahead of 2027 polls, commends Governor Eno’s achievements and promises backing from National Assembly members.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has secured assurances of support from stakeholders and indigenes of Akwa Ibom State for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno, himself and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Akpabio received the assurances on Friday during the official presentation of Governor Eno’s 2027 manifesto and the inauguration of the APC Campaign Council in Akwa Ibom State.
The event took place at the Banquet Hall of the newly commissioned Arise Palm Resort in Uyo, the state capital.
Speaking at the event, Akpabio, who is the Grand Patron of the state campaign council, commended Governor Eno for his achievements in the last three and a half years, saying his administration was gradually transforming Akwa Ibom into a global destination.
According to a statement by Jackson Udom, Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Media, Akpabio recalled the development vision of the state when he assumed office as governor in 2007.
He said the administration had then embarked on projects aimed at transforming Akwa Ibom from what he described as a pedestrian state into a destination for people from different parts of the world.
Akpabio noted that Governor Eno was building on that foundation through his development initiatives.
“When we took over the reins of government in 2007, we were determined to turn the state from its pedestrian status to a destination for all and sundry, and all our projects were tailored towards that.
“But as you were reeling out your achievements in the last three and a half years and your plans for the next four years, you are gradually turning Akwa Ibom into a global destination. This is Uncommon Transformer 2.0. I was Uncommon Transformer 1.0,” he said.
The Senate President also commended Eno for executing projects without resorting to bank borrowing, describing it as an indication of prudent management of the state’s resources.
“From what our governor has said today as regards his achievements, one thing caught my attention, and that is the fact that he said he has not borrowed a dime from any bank to execute those projects,” Akpabio stated.
He attributed the governor’s ability to implement development projects to increased federal allocations under the administration of President Tinubu, adding that the resources were being judiciously utilised for the state’s development.
Akpabio subsequently asked the gathering who should return to the Presidential Villa in 2027, following what he described as the timely release of resources due to the state by the Federal Government.
The audience responded by expressing support for President Tinubu’s re-election.
He also assured Governor Eno of the continued support of members of the National Assembly from Akwa Ibom State, saying the governor would not be alone in his efforts to transform the state.
“On this journey of turning our dear state into a global destination, you shall not walk alone. We, the members of the National Assembly from the state, are with you,” he said.
Akpabio further praised Eno’s investment in education and human capital development, describing it as one of the most important contributions to the state’s future.
He argued that infrastructure development would have limited impact without adequately trained people to operate and maintain the facilities.
The Senate President also urged the governor to remain focused on his development agenda and avoid being distracted by criticisms from opposition parties.
Earlier, Governor Eno presented his administration’s scorecard for the last three and a half years, attributing the achievements recorded by his government to the support received from President Tinubu, particularly through increased federal allocations to the state.
The presentation of the 2027 manifesto and inauguration of the campaign council marked a fresh phase in the APC’s political mobilisation ahead of the next general elections.
