2027: A’Ibom Group Backs Tinubu, Eno, Etteh For Second Term

A political group in Akwa Ibom State, the Esit Eket Grassroots Network (EGN), has distanced itself from the position of the Ekid People’s Union (EPU), describing its recent stance on the 2027 elections as misleading and unrepresentative of the people.

At a stakeholders’ meeting held on April 3, 2026, the group rejected a publication by the EPU opposing the candidacy of Okpolupm Ikpong Etteh and other aspirants from Ibeno, insisting that the union does not speak for the entire Ekid nation.

“The attempt to generalise its position as the collective will of the people is misleading and unacceptable,” the group said in a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting.

The EGN emphasised that leadership should be based on competence, performance and service delivery rather than ethnic or sectional considerations, noting that citizens have the constitutional right to freely choose their representatives.

The group commended the performance of Etteh, who represents Eket Federal Constituency, citing his contributions to youth empowerment, human capital development and constituency engagement.

It also passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, and Etteh, endorsing them for a second term in office.

According to the communiqué, the endorsement was based on what the group described as the trio’s contributions to development at the federal, state and constituency levels.

The motion was moved by a former Transition Committee Chairman of Esit Eket, Okon Edoho Udo, and seconded by a former local government secretary, Victor Dan Ikot.

The meeting, chaired by Martin Edet Umoyo, attracted political stakeholders, including former office holders, community leaders and past ward executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the area.

Speakers at the meeting urged constituents to support Etteh’s re-election bid, stressing the need for continuity in representation.

The group, however, called on the public to reject what it described as divisive narratives and remain committed to unity and peaceful coexistence in the constituency.