President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has praised Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, for what he described as an unusually peaceful and orderly state congress of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom.

Akpabio, speaking through his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, said the conduct of the congress marked a clear departure from the rancour and parallel exercises that had dogged previous party congresses in the state and across the country.

He recalled that earlier congresses were often marred by factional meetings, with rival groups holding separate sessions in hotels and other venues, only for controversial outcomes to surface at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja. In some states, he noted, even ward and local government congresses had resulted in violence and loss of lives.

Contrasting that history with the latest exercise, Akpabio likened the atmosphere in Akwa Ibom to a religious gathering, saying the process unfolded with calm and decorum. He attributed the development to what he called the governor’s commitment to peace and godliness, crediting Eno’s leadership style for the prevailing stability in the state.

The Senate President commended the governor for embracing broad consultation and inclusive governance, which he said paved the way for a consensus arrangement in line with the APC constitution. That approach, he argued, ensured that the new state executive committee emerged without acrimony.

Describing the congress as “uncommon” and “unprecedented,” Akpabio said it would be remembered as one of the most peaceful party exercises in Nigeria. He expressed confidence that future elections in Akwa Ibom would mirror the same level of tranquillity, adding that the state had continued to project unity and political maturity.

Party members at the congress reportedly affirmed, through a voice vote, their support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, as well as continued backing for Akpabio and Governor Eno.

In his response, Governor Eno thanked the Senate President for attending the congress, saying his presence conferred additional legitimacy on the process. He also expressed gratitude for the peaceful conduct of the ward, local government, and state congresses, and reiterated Akwa Ibom’s support for the Tinubu administration.

The congress returned Obong Stephen Ntukekpo as State Chairman, tasking him and the new executive committee with deepening party unity and strengthening grassroots mobilisation across Akwa Ibom.