The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has rejected reports that the party has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development followed a political gathering in the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, where stakeholders reportedly drawn from different political parties adopted a resolution backing the three politicians for another term in office.
However, the PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice (PAPA-J) dismissed reports suggesting that the endorsement represented the official position of the PDP in Akwa Ibom.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Tom FredFish, and Secretary, Saviour Uko, the group insisted that the PDP had not collapsed its structures into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to PAPA-J, the PDP remains active across all 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State, with members, supporters and functioning party structures.
The group described claims of a PDP endorsement of Tinubu, Akpabio and Eno as misleading and argued that individual members attending or participating in political gatherings cannot automatically speak for the entire party.
PDP Questions Alleged Party Representation
PAPA-J also questioned the identity of the person reportedly presented as the PDP chairman at the gathering where the endorsement was announced.
The group maintained that the individual did not represent what it described as the authentic leadership of the party in the state.
It said legitimate PDP decisions must emanate from recognised party organs and structures rather than meetings whose participants are presented as representatives of the entire party.
The group identified Hon. (Barr.) Igwat Umoren as the authentic leadership figure representing the PDP in the state and urged party members and the public to disregard political arrangements that were not formally authorised by the party.
Tinubu, Akpabio and Eno Reportedly Endorsed
The controversy followed reports that political stakeholders from the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, including individuals associated with the PDP, APC, National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other groups, adopted a communique supporting Tinubu, Akpabio and Eno ahead of the 2027 elections.
The reported resolution backed Tinubu for a second term as President, Akpabio for another term as senator representing Akwa Ibom North-West, and Eno for a second term as governor of Akwa Ibom State.
The resolution was reportedly adopted through a voice vote following a motion moved by Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien and seconded by Hon. Iboro Ekanem.
Akpabio, who attended the gathering, welcomed the development and described it as evidence of growing political cooperation in the state.
He expressed confidence that the reported support would translate into votes for Tinubu, Eno and himself in the 2027 elections.
PDP Says Party Remains Intact
PAPA-J, however, rejected the interpretation that the gathering represented the official position of the PDP.
The group said the presence of PDP members at a political event did not amount to a formal endorsement by the party unless such a decision was taken through its recognised structures.
It urged PDP supporters across Akwa Ibom to remain calm and focused as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections intensify.
PAPA-J also challenged the APC to build its own structures and campaign on its own record rather than relying on gatherings involving opposition members to create the impression that the PDP had collapsed.
Governor Umo Eno, who was elected on the PDP platform in 2023, has in recent times maintained close political cooperation with Tinubu and Akpabio despite the differences between the PDP and APC at the national level.
Eno has repeatedly advocated political cooperation in the interest of Akwa Ibom, while Akpabio has backed the governor’s bid for a second term.
PAPA-J nevertheless insisted that the PDP remains a political force in Akwa Ibom and that no official decision has been taken by the party to endorse Tinubu, Akpabio or Eno.
The group urged its members to remain united as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
