2027: Akpabio Declares Tinubu, Eno, and Himself “Unopposed” But Who Gave the Mandate?
ABUJA With Nigeria’s 2027 general elections still two years away, political drama is already unfolding in Akwa Ibom State. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stirred national conversation by declaring an early endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno, and himself as “unopposed candidates” for the upcoming elections.
The controversial announcement came during the second phase of Akpabio’s constituency empowerment program in Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, where over 3,000 people received donations ranging from cash grants to tricycles and scholarships.
But Akpabio’s declaration raises critical questions: Is it democratic for politicians to pre-select themselves years before an election? Who gave the mandate for this unanimous adoption?
A Loud Vote But from Whom?
The Senate President, flanked by supporters and government loyalists, claimed that the people of Akwa Ibom had endorsed the trio to run unopposed in 2027. The moment was theatrically sealed when Akpabio put the endorsement to a “vote” among the gathered crowd who, unsurprisingly, echoed support.
While that may sound like popular democracy in action, political observers argue that crowd reactions at government-funded events should not be mistaken for electoral consensus. “Public gatherings fueled by empowerment giveaways can be misleading. They do not represent the will of the general electorate,” said Iniobong Etim, a political analyst.
Praise for Eno, Support for Tinubu
Akpabio heaped praises on Governor Umo Eno, describing him as a “man of peace” whose leadership has brought calm to the state. He also lauded President Tinubu, crediting him for supporting development in Akwa Ibom through federal collaboration.
“President Tinubu is very happy with Akwa Ibom State because of the peace we enjoy,” Akpabio stated, attributing it to Eno’s harmonious governance.
However, critics argue that public endorsement of sitting presidents or governors should come through structured party primaries not applause polls at empowerment events.
N2 Billion in Handouts Coincidence or Campaign?
The event wasn’t just about politics. Akpabio rolled out an impressive list of giveaways:
Mini buses and cars
Tricycles and cargo bikes
Fridges, sewing machines
Scholarships and direct cash grants
Total estimated value: over ₦2 billion
While many applauded the empowerment gesture, others saw it as strategic soft-campaigning cloaked in philanthropy. “These kinds of ‘empowerments’ conveniently appear ahead of elections. We need to ask: is this truly about helping the people or securing early loyalty?” asked Bassey Udo, a civil society advocate in Uyo.
The Bigger Picture
The early endorsement of political figures two years before an election and outside the formal structure of party primaries raises concerns about internal democracy, political inclusivity, and the right of the electorate to freely choose their leaders.
If elections are meant to be competitive, why preempt them with declarations of sole candidacy? And what message does this send to opposition candidates or aspirants within the ruling party?
What Comes Next?
As Nigeria inches toward 2027, the question isn’t just who’s running it’s how they’re running. With declarations like these, Akwa Ibom may be setting the stage for a controversial electoral season.
Reference
2027: Akpabio Declares Tinubu, Eno, and Himself “Unopposed” But Who Gave the Mandate?