Culture
2027: Akwa Ibom Monarchs Endorse Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno for Second Term
Traditional rulers in Akwa Ibom State have thrown their weight behind the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was announced by monarchs drawn from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, comprising Paramount Rulers, clan, village and family heads, as well as their spouses, during a special rally held on Saturday at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking as Chairman of the occasion, the Itai Afe Annang and Paramount Traditional Ruler and Leader of Afe Annang, Obong Blaise Awakama, described the gathering as historic, noting that it marked the first time traditional rulers in the state had assembled in such a unified manner to publicly acknowledge the achievements of their distinguished sons.
In a statement released by the Special Assistant on Media/Communication to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong, Obong Awakama was quoted as saying that the traditional rulers had closely followed the track record of President Tinubu, particularly his transformation of Lagos State before assuming office as President.
He stated that the monarchs also took cognisance of the President’s ongoing economic reforms, which he said have boosted revenue allocations to states and local governments, thereby enhancing their capacity to execute development projects.
According to Obong Awakama, the rulers equally recognised the contributions of Senator Akpabio during his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, when he spearheaded significant infrastructural development, as well as his service as Senate Minority Leader and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, where he supervised the completion of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) headquarters and other landmark projects across the Niger Delta region.
He added that Akpabio’s leadership as Senate President had also earned commendation, citing people-focused legislations such as the establishment of development commissions and the enactment of the Students Loan Act, among others.
Obong Awakama further praised Governor Umo Eno, describing him as a “God-sent Golden Boy” who has fostered peace in Akwa Ibom State and ensured that development initiatives reach rural communities, not just urban centres.
He explained that, in view of these achievements, the traditional rulers deemed it necessary to publicly endorse President Tinubu, Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno for re-election in 2027, to enable them to consolidate and sustain their developmental efforts.
In a similar remark, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council and Paramount Ruler of Abak, His Royal Majesty, Akuku Saviour Sylvester Udofia, said the endorsement was informed by the trio’s demonstrated leadership capacity, dedication to good governance and consistent record of public service at both the federal and state levels.
After a unanimous voice vote adopting the endorsement, Akuku Udofia said the decision reflected the collective resolve of the Traditional Rulers Council to support leadership that advances peace, unity, good governance and positive engagement with traditional institutions.
Responding while receiving the memorandum of endorsement, Governor Umo Eno described the gesture as unprecedented and expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers for their sustained support.
Also speaking, Senator Akpabio, who accepted the endorsement on behalf of himself and President Tinubu, thanked the traditional institution for the honour and reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Akpabio further disclosed that Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District would work towards doubling its votes for President Tinubu, Governor Eno and himself, urging the traditional rulers to relay the message to their communities and encourage eligible citizens to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2027 general elections.
