The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has no plans to replace Governor Umo Eno as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 elections, contrary to speculations making the rounds.

This clarification was issued in a statement on Sunday by the Director General of the Progressives Media Network (APCMN), Otuekong Iniobong John.

The APCMN was reacting to a viral YouTube video by one Offiong Aqua, who alleged that Akpabio was working against Governor Eno’s re-election bid.

Describing the claims as false and malicious, the APCMN DG said the video was a calculated attempt to smear the image of the Senate President.

He also dismissed allegations in the video that Akpabio had previously used and abandoned key APC figures, including Senator John Akpanudoedehe, Nsima Ekere, and Chief Don Etiebet.

John reaffirmed Akpabio’s loyalty to the current political structure in Akwa Ibom and his commitment to the success of both Governor Umo Eno and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Senator Akpabio remains focused on strengthening the party and supporting the reelection of performing leaders, not disrupting the existing political arrangement,” the statement read.

The statement reads in parts, “The APCMN is compelled to respond to the malicious and baseless fabrications by Offiong Aqua on YouTube, aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

“Contrary to Aqua’s false claims, Senator Akpabio has no plans to field any candidate against Governor Umo Eno in the next election cycle. We affirm that the Senate President is totally committed to the re-election of the governor for a second term.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shares the same commitment, and there are no plans for a single term in Akwa Ibom State. We challenge Offiong Aqua to provide evidence of the person Senator Akpabio is allegedly preparing to field against Governor Umo Eno.

“The truth is, Governor Umo Eno will be overwhelmingly re-elected by the Akwa Ibom people on the platform of the APC in the next election cycle

“Furthermore, we find it utterly insulting for Offiong Aqua to insinuate that our Governor, Pst Umo Eno, is demoralised. On the contrary, our governor is doing exceedingly well, and our people are thrilled with his exemplary leadership and remarkable achievements.

“His commitment to the progress and development of Akwa Ibom State is unwavering, and we have every confidence in his ability to deliver another term of outstanding service.

“Additionally, we categorically refute the claims that Senator Godswill Akpabio used and dumped Obong Nsima Ekere, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, and Chief Don Etiebet.

“It is a natural occurrence in politics for individuals to agree or disagree based on interests and ambitions, and this does not necessarily imply exploitation or abandonment. We urge Offiong Aqua to desist from peddling false narratives aimed at stirring up unnecessary controversy”.