Gov. Eno receives certificate of return, retains Eyakenyi as running mate

You and Your Governor with Pastor Solomon Essiet

The political atmosphere in Akwa Ibom State during the week under review was dominated by the successful conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, culminating in the emergence of Governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, as the party’s governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.

The week’s activities reflected not only political consolidation within the APC but also reinforced what many observers have described as the growing culture of peace, stability and development under Governor Eno’s administration.

The high point came on Thursday, May 21, 2026, when Governor Eno emerged as the APC governorship candidate following the peaceful conduct of the primaries across the state. The governor later received his certificate of return and officially retained Senator Akon Eyakenyi as his running mate for the 2027 election.

Political analysts and stakeholders across Akwa Ibom have described the governor’s emergence as more than a routine political victory, noting that it represents public endorsement of his peace-driven leadership style and developmental strides across the state.

Peace as a Governing Principle
Governor Eno’s leadership has consistently been associated with reconciliation, inclusiveness and political harmony.

Since assuming office, he has made deliberate efforts to unite political stakeholders across party lines while placing the collective interest of Akwa Ibom people above partisan divisions.

Many believe this atmosphere of peace largely accounted for the orderly and successful conduct of the APC primaries across the state.

Observers noted that, unlike the tensions often associated with party primaries in many parts of the country, Akwa Ibom witnessed calm and peaceful exercises, with party faithful turning out massively to participate in the democratic process.

Governor Eno’s political journey has continued to surprise many. Initially underestimated by some because of his pastoral background, the governor demonstrated remarkable political calculation when he defected to the APC on June 8, 2025, alongside major political stakeholders in the state.

That decision, many now admit, reflected strategic foresight and a deep understanding of the nation’s evolving political landscape.

Today, many political commentators see Pastor Umo Eno not just as a politician, but as a thoughtful leader who has successfully combined governance with diplomacy, reconciliation and grassroots development.

Massive Turnout at APC Primaries
Speaking shortly after participating in the APC Senatorial District primary election at Ibiakpan Obotim Ward II in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Governor Eno commended party members for the impressive turnout and peaceful conduct during the exercise.

The governor described the large participation as a clear indication of the growing acceptance and popularity of the APC in Akwa Ibom State.

“For my ward, you can see for yourself the mammoth crowd. This is how it will continue to be. The love of Akwa Ibom people for the APC is very strong,” he stated.

He noted that the peaceful atmosphere surrounding the primaries reflected confidence in the party and support for sustained development in both the state and the country.

Governor Eno congratulated all victorious candidates, including Senator Aniekan Bassey, who emerged the winner for the Uyo Senatorial District, while also assuring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of overwhelming support from Akwa Ibom ahead of the 2027 general election.

APC Governorship Victory

At the APC governorship primary conducted at Government Primary School, Ikot Akpabin, Governor Eno was overwhelmingly endorsed as the party’s sole governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

Reacting to his victory, the governor described the endorsement as a renewed call to greater service to the people of Akwa Ibom State.

He pledged to strengthen and expand the implementation of the ARISE Agenda through what he termed “ARISE Agenda 2.0,” explaining that his administration would review existing programmes, identify gaps and improve them for greater impact.

Governor Eno expressed gratitude to God and the people of Akwa Ibom, noting that it was historic for the party to produce only one governorship candidate in the state.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and members of the National Assembly for reforms that abolished indirect primaries, describing the new system as more transparent, free and fair.

“What you have done today is indeed a clear message for me to work some more. I understand the message perfectly,” the governor said.

He reassured Akwa Ibom people that he would continue to dedicate himself fully to governance and the development of the state.

Inspection of key projects

As part of his commitment to infrastructure delivery and accountability, Governor Eno embarked on an unscheduled inspection of ongoing projects in Nsit Ubium and Eket Local Government Areas.

The governor inspected the 2.4-kilometre Ofriyo Road and bridge project linking Nsit Ubium and Eket, the General Hospital and Model Primary School in Nsit Ubium, as well as the ongoing dualization of the 11.6-kilometre Ikot Imoh–Strabag Junction–Eket Road.

During the inspection, Governor Eno reiterated his administration’s determination to complete all ongoing projects under the ARISE Agenda.

While expressing satisfaction with the quality of work on several projects, he directed contractors to intensify efforts and ensure speedy completion in line with approved timelines.

The governor emphasized that regular project monitoring had become necessary to guarantee quality delivery, accountability and value for public funds.

Certificate of return and development scorecard

Governor Eno officially received his certificate of return after polling 392,653 votes in the APC governorship primary.
Speaking during a victory gathering at Ikot Ekpene Udo in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, the governor pledged continued dedication to governance and development.

He highlighted some of the achievements recorded under his administration within three years, including the construction and completion of over 1,300 kilometres of roads and 40 bridges across the state.

The governor also noted that his administration had constructed 31 model primary healthcare centres and several model primary schools across the 31 local government areas.

He disclosed that over N82 billion had already been paid out of inherited liabilities totaling N111 billion dating back to 2012, expressing optimism that the debt burden would be fully cleared before the end of his first tenure.

Governor Eno also highlighted ongoing investments in agriculture, aviation, tourism and rural development, noting that the ARISE Palm Resort and the recent international flight operations from Victor Attah International Airport to Accra, Ghana, would further position Akwa Ibom as a major economic and tourism hub.

He formally announced Senator Akon Eyakenyi as his running mate for the 2027 election and appreciated President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, party leaders and supporters for their unwavering support.

Tinubu Wins Presidential Primary
The week also witnessed the successful conduct of the APC presidential primary in Akwa Ibom State, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secured a landslide victory with 389,197 votes.

Governor Eno, who served as State Collation Officer, announced the result and commended party faithful for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the exercise across the state.

The exercise witnessed massive participation from delegates and stakeholders drawn from all 31 local government areas.

A Week of Political Stability
Overall, the week reinforced Governor Umo Eno’s growing political influence and further projected Akwa Ibom State as one of the most politically stable states in the country.

For many residents and political observers, Governor Eno’s emergence as APC governorship candidate represents continuity in peace, unity and development.

As political activities intensify ahead of 2027, many stakeholders believe the governor’s message of issue-based campaigns, reconciliation and collective progress may help sustain the calm political atmosphere currently enjoyed across Akwa Ibom State.

Pastor Solomon Essiet, Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media