By Abiola Olawale
The Presidency has announced Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom as the new substantive leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State.
This move has sparked discussions and speculations on Social media about the status of the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who hails from Akwa Ibom State.
This announcement, made by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, followed a high-profile meeting between Eno, Akpabio, and President Bola Tinubu.
Onanuga confirmed that Eno, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, has been praised for his unifying leadership and commitment to aligning Akwa Ibom with the federal government’s development agenda.
Onanuga, in a post on X, confirmed the Presidency’s endorsement, stating, “Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno, and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday. Governor Eno is the APC leader in his state”.
The New Diplomat reports that Akpabio is a prominent figure in Akwa Ibom politics and a former governor of the State.
He also played a key role in facilitating Eno’s move to the APC.
However, the Presidency’s explicit naming of Eno as the APC leader has raised questions about Akpabio’s standing within the party in the State.
Despite his position as Senate President and his instrumental role in Eno’s defection, some analysts suggest that this move may sideline Akpabio’s influence in state-level party affairs.
Some political observers, however, noted that Akpabio’s focus on national politics and his role as an APC bigwig at the national level is sacrosanct. Observers also say he is one of the national leaders of the APC and the Presidency may have entrusted Eno with state leadership to consolidate local support.
