AKWA IBOM NORTH: USENOBONG AKPABIO DECLINES 2027 SENATE BID, CITES PARTY UNITY AND STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS

A former lawmaker, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Usenobong Akpabio, has announced that he will not contest the Akwa Ibom North (Uyo) Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, despite mounting calls from constituents urging him to enter the race.

In a public statement issued on Thursday, Akpabio expressed gratitude to stakeholders across the senatorial district—spanning markets, churches, farms, and community forums—for their support and encouragement to seek the party’s nomination.

He acknowledged the confidence reposed in him by the people, noting that their calls reflected a desire for “purposeful and effective representation.” However, he said recent developments within his political party influenced his decision to step aside.

According to him, the party leadership appears to be aligning with a “policy of continuity” that favors the incumbent, a move he said, though not formally communicated, became evident after consultations and careful consideration.

“In view of this, it would be unwise to accept the calls to stand for the nomination,” Akpabio stated, adding that his decision was guided by prudence rather than fear of electoral contest.

He further emphasized the importance of party cohesion and governance stability, pointing out that the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, hails from the same senatorial district. Akpabio warned against actions that could distract the governor’s focus.

“As a loyal party member and democrat, I respect the decision of the leadership,” he said.

While ruling himself out of the 2027 senatorial race, Akpabio reassured supporters that his commitment to the development of the district remains unwavering.

“The struggle for a better Uyo senatorial district does not begin and end with one election or one office,” he noted, urging constituents to remain peaceful, united, and focused on collective progress.

He also pledged to continue contributing his experience and resources toward the advancement of the district, Akwa Ibom State, and Nigeria at large.

Akpabio concluded by thanking supporters for their trust and encouragement, stating that although he was ready to serve, “in today’s politics, readiness alone is not enough.”

The announcement is expected to reshape early permutations ahead of the 2027 senatorial contest in Akwa Ibom North, as political stakeholders recalibrate strategies within the ruling party.

Comments

Breaking: A’Ibom Governor Removes Two Aides Amid Restructuring, Alleged PDP Links

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has relieved two aides of their duties with immediate effect, the state government announced on Monday. The affected officials are: Joseph Jacob Ikpak, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Support Services Felix Ekuri, Special Assistant to the Governor on Neighbourhood Watch Their disengagement was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Enobong Uwah, who described the action as part of the governor’s ongoing efforts to realign the machinery of government with the Renewed Hope and ARISE Agenda. The statement did not provide further details on the circumstances leading to their removal. However, it was gathered from multiple political sources that the decision may be linked to the aides’ alleged association with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The claim has not been officially confirmed, and the government has not commented on the speculation. Political analysts no...

Tragedy at Ikot Ekpene General Hospital: Akwa Ibom Governor Orders Probe Into Maternal Death

By Asuquo Edem UYO – A tragic incident at the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, has sparked public outrage after a young mother and her newborn reportedly died following a caesarean section, prompting Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State to order an immediate high-powered investigation. A disturbing video of the grieving family began circulating on social media over the weekend, drawing widespread condemnation and raising fresh concerns over maternal mortality in the state. Moved by the incident, Governor Eno expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and directed the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, to convene a commission of inquiry comprising medical and legal experts. The panel is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and recommend preventive measures. In a dramatic move, Dr. John led a midnight team of officials from the Ministry of Health to the hospital for an on-the-spot preliminary investigation, gathering firsthand testimonies f...

Financial Impropriety, Abuse Of Power: AKHA Receives Petition Against Ikono Chairman

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly today during Plenary received a petition against the Council Chairman of Ikono, Hon. Otobong Essien, where the Councillors have accused her of misconduct in the discharge of her official duties. This was contained in a petition presented before the Assembly by the Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights, and Public Petitions, Hon. Aniefiok Attah. The petition, signed by Hon. Saviour Ebong, Leader of the 8th Ikono Legislative Council, Deputy Leader Hon. Idorenyin Akpan, and ten other councillors, accused the Council Chairman of unlawfully withdrawing public funds from the local government council's account without the necessary authorisation from the Legislative Council. The councillors described her actions as dishonorable, illegal, and a blatant abuse of power. Additionally, the councillors alleged that the Chairman misappropriated council funds in violation of Section 66(1) of the Local Government Administr...

The Empire Naija

Search This Blog