2027: Akwa Ibom Diaspora in North-East endorses Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno for second term

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Akwa Ibom Community in Adamawa and Taraba States has unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for re-election in the 2027 general elections, citing their leadership qualities and commitment to the development of the nation and Akwa Ibom State.

The endorsement was contained in a communiqué issued after a congress of Akwa Ibom indigenes resident in the North-East and made available to journalists in Uyo on Sunday.

The group, made up of Esop Ndito Ibibio, Afe Annang and the Oron Development Union, declared its support for Governor Eno’s second-term bid, while also backing Senate President Akpabio for another term as Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District and President Tinubu for a second term in office.

In a letter addressed to Governor Eno, jointly signed by the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Community in Adamawa State, Mkpisong Obong Sunday Philip Okon, and the Publicity Secretary, Ata-Uko Francis Etuk, the community commended the Governor for what it described as his visionary leadership, inclusive governance and commitment to the human and community development objectives of the ARISE Agenda.

According to the group, Governor Eno’s administration has continued to inspire confidence among Akwa Ibom indigenes living outside the state through policies that promote inclusiveness, unity and the welfare of citizens both at home and in the diaspora.

The community noted that the Governor’s fatherly disposition and genuine concern for the welfare of Akwa Ibom people living across the country strengthened its resolve to support his re-election.

It recalled Governor Eno’s interaction with leaders of Akwa Ibom communities in Adamawa and Taraba States during the 44th Anniversary celebration of Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio held at Asan Ibibio on March 8, 2025, describing the engagement as a demonstration of humility, accessibility and responsive leadership.

“We can never take for granted your humility and readiness to give a listening ear to the yearnings of your people even at unexpected moments,” the statement said.

As part of efforts to consolidate the endorsement, the community disclosed that it had commenced mobilisation of members of the National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students (NAAKISS), youth groups and women organisations to transfer their voter registration details to their respective constituencies in Akwa Ibom State ahead of the 2027 elections.

The group also revealed that Akwa Ibom indigenes who returned to the state during the Boko Haram insurgency had been sensitised on its political direction and encouraged to participate actively in the forthcoming elections.

The community further sought an audience with Governor Eno at his convenience to strengthen collaboration and discuss initiatives aimed at advancing the development of Akwa Ibom State.

Reaffirming its commitment to serving as ambassadors of the state in the North-East, the group pledged to continue promoting the ideals of the ARISE Agenda across its networks within and outside Akwa Ibom.

The communiqué concluded with prayers for God’s guidance, wisdom and strength for Governor Eno as he continues to provide leadership for the state, expressing confidence that his administration would sustain the pace of development and prosperity enjoyed by Akwa Ibom people.