By Samuel Abasiekong-Abasiekong
In 2019 the return of the former governor of Akwa Ibom State to the Senate after his first term was aborted as he was defeated by Senator Chris Ekpenyong, a former Deputy Governor of the state.
As the 2027 general election is getting to its flashpoint, two close allies of the incumbent President of the 10th Senate have formally declared their intentions to unseat him (Godswill Akpabio).
Senator Akpabio first Challenger is his cousin’s wife, Pastor (Mrs) Pat Akpabio who has over two years drawn a battle line against the incumbent President of the Nigerian Senate, and had severally notify him to get ready to leave the Senate because she will defeat him, she said.
Pat Akpabio has already declared her intention to contest the Senate seats of Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District on the platform of African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Senator Akpabio next challenger is his former Aide and former member of the House of Representative Hon. Patty Etete.
Etete is a former one term member of the House of Representatives for Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency from 2007 – 2011.
He was a Senior Legislative Aide to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, but resigned on February 27, 2026 citing “humiliation, discrimination, and denial of access” to his boss.
He said Akpabio invited him to be part of his “first eleven” of appointees when he became Senate President on June 13, 2023, but what he was promised were not fulfilled.
Etete has declared his intention to wrestle power with Akpabio on Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District on the platform of Nigeria Democracy Congress (NDC).
Akpabio is seeking reelection on the platform of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC)
“I am seeking for a platform where I can actualise my aspiration to represent Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District”, Etete declares
