A’Ibom 2027: Group warns politicians against smear campaigns, defends Gov Eno

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Uyo Senatorial District Media Practitioners Forum (USDMPF) has called on political actors across party lines to embrace civility and issue-based campaigns as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to gather momentum.

The forum warned against what it described as persistent smear campaigns, personal attacks and misrepresentations targeted at the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, urging politicians and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly in the interest of peace and democratic development.

The position of the group was made known during a press conference jointly addressed by the Chairman and Secretary of its Board of Trustees, Elder Ernest Akpan and Revd. Richard Peters, respectively.

According to the forum, the political atmosphere leading to the 2027 elections should be driven by ideas, programmes and performance records rather than character assassination and inflammatory rhetoric.

The group expressed concern over what it termed “misleading narratives” being circulated in some sections of the media regarding Governor Eno and other notable personalities from the Uyo Senatorial District.

“For some time now, we have observed public commentary that misrepresents the person of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, and the office of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State,” the forum stated.

It added that such narratives do not accurately reflect the realities of governance and development efforts currently taking place in the state.

“We urge that this practice be discontinued forthwith as it does not reflect accurate accounts concerning the Governor and other prominent indigenes of the Uyo Senatorial District,” the statement said.

The forum noted that it had closely followed Governor Eno’s political journey, particularly during the 2023 electioneering campaign, and could attest to what it described as the steady implementation of campaign promises under the administration’s ARISE Agenda.

It highlighted achievements recorded by the government across several sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, rural development, security and tourism.

According to the group, the administration has undertaken numerous road projects across the state, contributing significantly to improved connectivity and economic activities.

“Several road projects have been initiated and completed across the State, running to nearly 1,500 kilometres,” the statement noted.

The forum also praised initiatives aimed at strengthening food security, particularly the expansion of the Ibom Model Farm, while commending the continued growth of Ibom Air, which it described as a strategic asset that has enhanced the state’s visibility and connectivity within the global aviation industry.

In addition, the group acknowledged the efforts of the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre in providing empowerment opportunities, training and skills development for young people and entrepreneurs across the state.

While reaffirming the importance of opposition politics in a democratic setting, the forum stressed that criticism should be constructive and focused on policies rather than personalities.

“Constructive criticism remains a pillar of democracy, but it becomes destructive when it is tailored to satisfy narrow political interests,” the group stated.

The forum further argued that Governor Eno’s efforts in addressing pension and gratuity arrears, as well as implementing various housing and empowerment programmes, deserved recognition rather than condemnation.

According to the group, beneficiaries of the administration’s interventions cut across political affiliations, including individuals who may not necessarily support the government.

It therefore called on all political stakeholders to place the interests of the state above personal ambitions and avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary tension within the polity.

The forum particularly cautioned aspirants and their supporters against the use of offensive language and unsubstantiated allegations in the course of political engagements.

“Aspirants and their co-travellers in the 2027 journey must be civil and avoid uncouth language and caustic attacks on the Governor,” the statement warned.

The group maintained that political competition should not degenerate into hostility, adding that decent conduct remains essential for sustaining democratic values and social harmony.

“Pastor Umo Eno is our treasured brand, and we remain duty-bound to protect his reputation,” it stated.

The forum further stressed that, irrespective of political leanings, all actors must distinguish between constructive engagement and actions capable of undermining the state’s progress.

“No matter how politically biased people may be, decent conduct is desirable. It is imperative to draw a line between progress and regress,” the statement added.

Reaffirming its support for the governor, the forum described him as a symbol of continuity and development, insisting that Akwa Ibom State must not return to an era of divisive politics.

“As patriots, we call for caution. Pastor Umo Eno represents progress, and Akwa Ibom State cannot afford a return to divisive politics,” the group declared.

The forum concluded by urging all political actors and aspirants to pursue their ambitions through lawful party processes and democratic means while allowing the electorate to make informed choices based on verifiable records of performance rather than propaganda and misinformation.

“Constructive criticism remains a major driver of democracy, but it becomes retrogressive when tailored to satisfy selfish political interest,” the statement concluded.