Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma have shared smiles and cordial moments at an airport lounge during their trip for the inauguration of Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s second term, amid speculation about strained relations between the two All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders. The interaction comes…...
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma have shared smiles and cordial moments at an airport lounge during their trip for the inauguration of Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s second term, amid speculation about strained relations between the two All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders.
The interaction comes two days after remarks by Akpabio and other political figures at the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council at the State House in Abuja sparked speculation about possible tensions within the ruling party, particularly over political ambitions ahead of the next general election.
TVC News reported that the gathering, held on Wednesday, October 14, brought together senior APC figures, governors and other political stakeholders to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election bid. Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressive Governors Forum, serves as secretary of the campaign council, while Akpabio was among the senior government officials who addressed the gathering.
The speculation intensified after Akpabio cautioned governors against pursuing other political offices before completing their constitutionally permitted eight-year tenure.
“I did eight years as a governor, and the constitution says you should do eight years. There’s no need for you to start eyeing another position that is not available,” Akpabio said at the campaign council inauguration.
Although he did not mention Uzodimma by name, the remarks attracted attention amid speculation about the Imo governor’s reported interest in the Imo West senatorial seat and a possible bid for the Senate presidency after the 2027 elections. Uzodimma is serving his second term as governor, which is expected to end in January 2028, while the 11th National Assembly is scheduled to begin in June 2027.
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The political conversation also followed comments by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who challenged APC governors to demonstrate their political influence by delivering electoral victories for Tinubu in their respective states.
The remarks were interpreted by some observers as reflecting disagreements over campaign strategy and the role of Wike’s cross-party political mobilisation, known as the Rainbow Coalition. Tensions had also been reported over Uzodimma’s position that APC members should not support arrangements capable of weakening the party’s candidates in the 2027 elections.
Uzodimma, however, called for reconciliation and unity within the APC at the campaign council inauguration, urging party members to put aside their differences and support all candidates contesting under its platform.
“We must reconcile any differences we may have and rally as one family behind the party and all our candidates. We must speak to Nigerians as one family with one voice and one message,” the governor said.
The Senate leadership question also featured in the political atmosphere. On Thursday, senators expressed support for Akpabio’s return as Senate President in the 11th National Assembly, with lawmakers declaring that the position should not be open to a contest. The development added another dimension to speculation about possible political ambitions ahead of the next assembly.
Akpabio and Uzodimma were among the political leaders who travelled to Ekiti on Friday for Oyebanji’s inauguration. Tribune Online reported that Akpabio arrived at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport with a delegation of federal lawmakers, while Uzodimma had arrived earlier.
The encounter comes as the APC prepares for the 2027 general elections, with party leaders facing the task of balancing campaign mobilisation, internal political interests and the selection of leadership for the next National Assembly.