…Party leaders pledge cohesion, peaceful primaries
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday led a stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Akwa Ibom State, with a call for unity, internal cohesion and peaceful primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting, held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, brought together party executives, elected officials, political leaders and stakeholders from across the state.
Governor Eno used the meeting to formally consult APC stakeholders on his intention to seek re-election for a second term on the party’s platform in 2027. He also solicited support for the re-election bid of Senator Akpabio to the Senate.
The governor thanked party leaders and members for their loyalty and commitment to the APC, urging them to work together for the success of all party candidates in the next election cycle.
“This meeting is called so that we can sit down and talk as a family,” Governor Eno said.
He stressed the need for unity, loyalty and collective responsibility among party members, adding that a peaceful, transparent and credible primary process would be critical to the party’s success.
Governor Eno also announced the constitution of a committee to oversee the forthcoming APC primaries for the selection of candidates for various elective offices.
He urged members to place the collective interest of the party above personal ambition.
Speaking at the meeting, Senator Akpabio commended Governor Eno for promoting unity within the APC and sustaining peace and political stability in Akwa Ibom State.
Akpabio also informed stakeholders of his intention to seek another term in the Senate to represent Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District in 2027.
In his welcome address, the State Chairman of the APC, Stephen Ntukekpo, said the meeting was convened to deepen cohesion within the party ahead of the primaries and general elections.
Ntukekpo commended APC members for their dedication and support, noting that the screening exercise for aspirants had been concluded successfully.
According to him, the exercise was peaceful, transparent and orderly, which he attributed to the maturity and discipline of party members and aspirants.
“We must remain united. No personal interest should be greater than the collective interest of the party,” Ntukekpo said.
He also praised Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda, saying the programme had continued to make visible impact across the state. He urged stakeholders to consolidate on the gains recorded and sustain the party’s growing acceptance among the people.
Those present at the meeting included the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio; Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Eno Obareki; Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Gas, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo; Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, Ambassador Senator Ita Enang; and members of the National and State Assemblies.
Others were former Military Governor, Group Captain Sam Ewang (rtd); Director General of Campaigns, Chief Assam Assam, SAN; Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien; Senator Effiong Bob; Senator Aloysius Etok; former Deputy Governor, Senator Chris Ekpenyong; former Minister of Petroleum, Atuekong Don Etiebet; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; members of the State Executive Council; APC zonal officials; elder statesman, Obong Michael Afangideh; Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem; APC women leaders and other party stakeholders.
