Senate President Akpabio Forecasts APC Landslide Victory in Akwa Ibom Ahead of 2027 Polls
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has made a bold prediction that Essien Udim Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State will deliver a decisive landslide victory for the All Progressives Congress during the upcoming 2027 general elections. This declaration follows significant political developments within the region, where traditional rulers and key stakeholders have publicly reaffirmed their unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno.
Traditional Rulers and Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu and Eno
According to Akpabio, traditional leaders in Essien Udim have issued a clear directive that there should be no consultations within their domain for any presidential candidate other than President Tinubu or any gubernatorial candidate outside Governor Eno. This endorsement signals strong grassroots backing and alignment with the current administration at both federal and state levels.
"My people have once again endorsed President Bola Tinubu," Akpabio stated. "I am very satisfied with the exercise. This is very, very significant. They have done this before. It is not the first time the people of my local government have endorsed President Tinubu and Governor Eno."
Consensus Selection of New APC Executives
The political momentum in Essien Udim gained further traction with the emergence of new All Progressives Congress local government officers through a consensus selection process. Akpabio, who hails from this local government area, addressed journalists shortly after the peaceful election of these party executives.
He urged the newly elected officials to maintain unity within the party and strengthen grassroots structures, emphasizing the importance of consolidating party foundations at the local level. Through a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio congratulated party members and described these developments as a reaffirmation of loyalty to both the President and the Governor.
Confidence in Electoral Strength and Voter Numbers
The Senate President expressed strong confidence in the electoral capabilities of Essien Udim, noting that the area would deliver massive votes for the APC in 2027. He provided specific projections based on current voter registration data, stating that the local government could potentially provide over 180,000 votes for President Tinubu and Governor Eno.
"This is a very populous local government that is sure to give the President and the Governor over 180,000 votes based on the current voter registration," Akpabio explained. "It was a very peaceful exercise. They have elected their officers for the council through consensus. I am very pleased to be a participant and a witness to this grand occasion."
Early Political Positioning for 2027 Elections
This endorsement and political consolidation in Essien Udim comes amid early positioning by political parties across various states as they begin to prepare for the 2027 general elections. Key stakeholders are strategically leveraging local structures and traditional institutions to signal alignment and mobilize support well in advance of the polls.
Akpabio further acknowledged Governor Eno's role in maintaining peace within Akwa Ibom State, remarking, "When the righteous is on the throne, the people rejoice. I will sit down there and watch my people rejoicing, and I say, congratulations to the APC for already winning a second term in Essien Udim Local Government Area."
The Senate President's prediction and the subsequent endorsements highlight the intensifying political activities as Nigeria approaches another significant electoral cycle, with parties working to solidify their bases and demonstrate strength through local support systems.