Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has denied speculations of a plan to change his running mate ahead of the 2027 governorship election, reaffirming his commitment to his deputy, Akon Eyakenyi.
Recent rumours had suggested that Eyakenyi might be dropped from the ticket for a second term, with claims that Senate President Godswill Akpabio was allegedly backing a replacement.
The figure reportedly being considered was Victor Antai, a former local government chairman and commissioner, who currently serves as Akwa Ibom’s representative on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Antai, known to have a strong support base in Oron Federal Constituency, is believed by some political observers to be a potential candidate for the deputy governorship slot.
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However, Gov. Eno has dismissed the claims as baseless.
Speaking during the 80th birthday celebration of Mr. Etim Eyakenyi, husband to the deputy governor, Gov. Eno emphasized that he has no intention of altering his current political team.
He praised Eyakenyi for her loyalty and consistent support since they assumed office in 2023.
“Akon Eyakenyi has not disappointed me, not for one day,” the governor stated. “If I were made governor 10 times, she would be my deputy governor all ten times.”
Gov. Eno also made it clear that he is under no pressure from any individual or group to make changes to his administration, reinforcing his confidence in the existing leadership arrangement.
