Akpabio’s Political Gravity Shines As APC Returns Him Unopposed

… Sampson, Bassey Also Secure Senatorial Tickets
… Gov Eno Applauds Massive Turnout, Peaceful Conduct 
ESSIEN UDIM
The enduring political influence and unassailable leadership of the President of the Senate, Chief Godswill Akpabio, were once again brought into sharp focus at the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary in Akwa Ibom held on Monday, May 18, as he was returned unopposed as the party’s candidate for Akwa Ibom North-West (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial District for the 2027 general elections.
  Also emerging unopposed were Senators Ekong Sampson for Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District and Aniekan Bassey for Akwa Ibom North-East (Uyo) Senatorial District.
  Across the 329 wards in the state, the exercise witnessed a massive turnout of party faithful, stakeholders and supporters, who thronged the various ward centres in jubilant mood, describing the outcome as a fitting reward for tested leadership, proven performance and unwavering loyalty to the APC.
  In his remarks after participating in his senatorial district’s primary of the APC in Ibiakpan, Obotim Ward II, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Gov. Umo Eno noted that the massive turnout in the primary was a demonstration of love for the APC.
   To Governor Eno, the peaceful conduct and massive turnout was a statement of confidence in the party and support for continuous development in the State and country generally.
  “For my ward, you can see for yourself the mammoth crowd; this is how it will continue to be. The love of Akwa Ibom people for the APC is very strong, and that’s what you are seeing throughout these primaries. Even though some of the candidates are unopposed, but this is to test our strength.
  “You can see that all of our people have come out and they are firm across the state, and you can see that it has been very peaceful across the State,” he said.
  For Senator Akpabio, the primary evolved into more than a routine political exercise; it became a grand affirmation of his towering legacy, national relevance and uncommon political appeal. 
  Such is the weight of his influence and the depth of his accomplishments that no aspirant stepped forward to challenge him for the ticket, a reflection of the enormous respect he commands across political divides in his senatorial district and the State.
  Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most charismatic and result-driven political leaders, Akpabio has continued to consolidate his standing as a statesman of remarkable reach and vision. Party faithful at various centres attributed the overwhelming confidence reposed in him to his exceptional ability to attract federal presence, strategic appointments, infrastructure and development opportunities to Akwa Ibom since assuming office as President of the Senate.
  Many supporters described him as a bridge-builder, a master strategist and a political colossus whose leadership has elevated the profile of Akwa Ibom on the national stage. 
  Others praised his spirit of generosity, his courage in leadership and his commitment to empowering party members and expanding opportunities for the people.
  The atmosphere at Methodist Primary School, Ukana Ikot Ntuen in Essien Udim Local Government, was electrifying as enthusiastic party members queued behind the Senate President in overwhelming affirmation of his candidacy. Songs of solidarity and chants of support echoed through the venue as supporters hailed Akpabio as a dependable leader whose political journey has continued to inspire confidence among the people.
  In some wards, party faithful adopted a consensus through voice votes, insisting that the Senate President had earned another mandate through his sterling performance, visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to the growth of both the APC and Akwa Ibom State.
  Across the 108 wards in Akwa Ibom North-West (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial District, the exercise was not only peaceful but was marked by extraordinary enthusiasm and unity among party faithful.
  Speaking at Ito Ward 3, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, declared that the people of Ika remain firmly committed to the leadership of Senator Akpabio, citing his achievements, influence and immense contributions to the development of Akwa Ibom.
  At Abak Urban Ward 1, Clement Jimbo, a member of the House of Representatives stated that Senator Akpabio’s return to the Senate was never in doubt, commending party faithful for their discipline and unwavering support for the Senate President.
  Similarly, at Achan Ward 1, the chairman of Ika Local Government Area, Mr. Utibe Nwoko, applauded party members for their impressive turnout and overwhelming support for Senator Akpabio.
  In Abak Urban Ward 4, the speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, commended party faithful for their maturity, unity and commitment to democratic values, stressing that the orderly conduct of the exercise reflected the overwhelming support of the Abak people for the Senate President.
  At Etim Ekpo Ward 4 Centre, St. Paul’s Primary School, Utu Etim Ekpo, the council chairman, Gideon Uwa, described the turnout as a loud and unmistakable endorsement of Senator Akpabio and the APC.
  Also speaking at Midim Ward 1 in Abak Local Government Area, Professor Nkereuwem Etukudoh described Senator Akpabio as a priceless asset to Nigeria, Akwa Ibom and the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, insisting that he deserved another term in the Senate.
  At Ward 10 in Oruk Anam Local Government Area, party faithful declared that Senator Akpabio’s return to the Red Chamber was already a settled matter, while former House of Assembly member, Sir Udo Kierian, maintained that the Senate President had performed creditably and merited another mandate.
  Meanwhile, at Ward 6, Uyo Urban, in Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, said the exercise was peaceful and witnessed massive turnout, noting that party faithful who had earlier endorsed Senator Aniekan Bassey for a second term queued massively behind his candidacy.
   At Ikpa Ikono Ward II in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, the primary also recorded a large turnout of enthusiastic supporters.
  Before the senatorial primary in Akwa Ibom South, the withdrawal of Senator Sampson’s opponents — Mr. Francis Uduyok and Mr. Ekanem Brown — paved the way for him to emerge as the consensus and unopposed candidate of the party.
  Speaking after his emergence, Senator Sampson reaffirmed his commitment to deepening engagement with constituents and sustaining effective representation as a ranking senator. 
  He also commended the smooth conduct of the exercise and appreciated the leadership direction provided by the Senate President and Gov Umo Eno in ensuring peaceful political consolidation in Akwa Ibom.
  The exercise across the wards in the district was largely peaceful, reflecting the overwhelming endorsement enjoyed by Senator Sampson among party faithful.