2027 election: Gov. Eno, party, people

By Solomon Essiet

Nigerian Constitution provides for elections into key political offices every four years. These include the offices of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, members of the National Assembly, State Governors, and State Houses of Assembly.

Exceptions arise only in cases of by-elections, which may occur when a legislator passes on, resigns, has their election nullified by a court, or becomes incapacitated.

As such, the season for another general election is steadily approaching. In Nigeria and elsewhere, election years often attract more attention than campaign years. Yet the reality remains that many elections are won or lost long before ballots are cast. In Nigeria’s case, outcomes are often predictable a year or more in advance, based on performance indicators, political positioning, party cohesion, and public perception of aspirants.

In Akwa Ibom State, the political atmosphere reflects this reality. The ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside the people of the state, appears firmly positioned ahead of the 2027 elections. Even before ward and local government congresses were concluded, political discussions dominated sit-outs, relaxation centres, and public spaces across the state. Citizens openly debated the prospects of incumbents retaining their offices or losing favour with the electorate and key political stakeholders.

Within Akwa Ibom’s political landscape, there is currently no clearly formidable opposition capable of mounting a serious challenge to the APC in 2027. Even if such a challenge were to emerge, the unity and organisational strength within the ruling party remain overwhelming. Never before has a political party in Akwa Ibom State appeared this cohesive, formidable, and strategically prepared for an election.

Much credit must go to the state’s chief executive, Umo Bassey Eno, whose inclusive leadership style has redefined governance in the state. From the outset of his administration, Governor Eno chose the path of peace and unity, a decision that enabled him to run an all-inclusive government. He brought together political leaders past and present, creating a governance environment built around consensus rather than conflict.

Governor Eno came into office with what he famously described as a “big table”, wide enough to accommodate all interests. That approach directly facilitated the mass movement from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on June 8, 2025. In many ways, that philosophy of inclusive governance became the foundation upon which the APC in Akwa Ibom State was rebuilt and strengthened.

The Governor once remarked that “no two elections are the same,” and indeed, while the last gubernatorial election in Akwa Ibom had its peculiarities, the 2027 contest appears far more predictable. The combination of party unity, visible governance outcomes, and strategic preparation places Governor Eno in a strong position as he seeks re-election to the Hilltop Mansion.

From the people’s perspective, the administration’s record speaks loudly. In less than three years, Governor Eno has delivered unprecedented infrastructural development, people-centred projects, and compassionate social policies. These achievements have earned him widespread support among Akwa Ibomites at home and in the diaspora.

While it is impossible to satisfy everyone, the loudest criticisms often come from a small group of political jobbers who dominate social media discourse. Ironically, many of those who claim the economy is failing still find ample resources to sustain endless online agitation. Yet beyond these digital echo chambers, the majority of Akwa Ibom people remain firmly aligned with the Governor’s vision and leadership.

Indeed, public confidence in Governor Eno is so strong that many believe he would secure re-election even if he contested on the platform of a hypothetical “zero party.” His administration has consistently demonstrated an ability to add tangible value to the lives of citizens.

In terms of appointments, Governor Eno has ensured representation across all 369 political wards in Akwa Ibom State, alongside numerous personal and special assistants, a move widely regarded as unprecedented in the state’s political history. His government has also delivered 355 ARISE Compassionate Homes, paid approximately ₦80 billion in inherited gratuities, and constructed over 1,300 kilometres of roads in under three years.

Further, the administration has built model schools and modern healthcare centres across all 31 local government areas. Investments in human capital development and empowerment remain central to the ARISE Agenda, with none of its 18 thematic areas left unattended. Political inclusiveness under what many describe as a “golden era” administration remains exemplary.

In aviation, Governor Eno has added two brand-new aircraft to the Ibom Air fleet and overseen major upgrades at the Victor Attah International Airport, including the international terminal. These efforts culminated in federal approval for international carrier operations at the airport, a development poised to boost Akwa Ibom’s internally generated revenue through increased traffic and economic activity.

Tourism has also taken centre stage. The ARISE Palm Resort, located on a formerly abandoned and erosion-prone area, has transformed a once-dangerous zone into a hub of economic promise. The 5,000-capacity convention centre, Ibom International Hotel, and ARISE Shopping City at the Tropicana complex along Udo Udoma Avenue position Akwa Ibom to compete with Lagos as a major destination in the near future.

As the 2027 election approaches, the alignment is clear: the Governor is ready, the party is prepared, and the people are mobilised. Akwa Ibomites appear poised not only to renew Governor Eno’s mandate but to do so with even greater conviction.

ARISE — that same God.

Essiet, ACIA
Writing from Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, the Raffia City.