- Senate President Godswill Akpabio emerged unopposed as APC candidate for Akwa Ibom North-West
- Adams Oshiomhole also secured the APC Edo North senatorial ticket without opposition
- Both politicians described their emergence as a sign of confidence from party members
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has emerged as the sole candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC senatorial primary election was held on Monday, with Akpabio securing the party’s ticket unopposed.
Akpabio, currently serving as the 15th President of the Nigerian Senate, was first elected senator for Akwa Ibom North-West in 2015. He lost his re-election bid in 2019 before returning to the Senate after winning the 2023 elections.
His emergence as the APC candidate is seen as a significant boost to the ruling party’s preparations in Akwa Ibom State ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Meanwhile, former Edo State governor and serving senator, Adams Oshiomhole, also emerged unopposed as the APC candidate for Edo North Senatorial District.
The primary election in Edo North concluded without contest after the only other aspirant reportedly withdrew from the race before voting commenced.
Speaking after the collation of results, the Returning Officer for the primary, Kassim Otono, confirmed Oshiomhole’s emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the development, Oshiomhole described the outcome as a major honour and expressed gratitude to party members across Edo North for supporting his candidacy.
“I want to thank all our party members, and for whom much is given, much is expected, and I promise to do better,” he said.
The former national chairman of the APC explained that the absence of opposition in the primary reflected the confidence party members had in his leadership and representation.
“I am unopposed because the other contestant who filed for nomination wrote that he had withdrawn,” Oshiomhole stated.
“So, actually the correct word is that I am unopposed, and that makes it more interesting.”
He added that the development stood out at a time when several APC primaries across the country had been marred by disputes and controversies over candidate selection.
“Even when you have other people contesting in other parts of the country and having disputes on who to contest, for me to have nobody challenging me in Edo North is an honour,” he added.
Oshiomhole further promised to intensify efforts towards attracting development projects to Edo North and contributing to national progress if re-elected.
“But let me make a promise, I will not do one per cent less. What I ask for is for God to give me more wisdom, favour, connection and influence to be able to bring more things to Afemai land,” he said.