2027: Akwa Ibom Women Endorse Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno

Ahead of electioneering for 2027 transition, women from all the wards in Essien Udim local government area of Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, have endorsed President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno, for second terms.

According to them,  elections in the zone had been concluded in favour of the trio and advised the opposition to steer clear from the area.

They reminded the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign trails that coming to seek their votesd would be a waste of time, energy and cash, as the elections were already a done deal for them.

The womenfolk  from Essien Udim LGA, Akpabio’s hometown, therefore, waved a red flag to the APC campaign teams not to visit, as such shall be resisted by the women and stakeholders of the local government, but urged that such energy be reserved for campaigns at other LGAs.

“When the election window is open, the State’s ruling party- APC is advised to rather leave out Essien Udim, as campaigning for Governor Eno there will amount to preaching to the choir Assembly who had already made up their mind for the Governor, Tinubu and Akpabio.

This was the resolution of the women sensitization drive to deepen grassroots participation in governance and economic empowerment in Essien Udim led by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi.

The women cited among other things,  the success of the Governor’s efforts at uniting Akwa Ibom State and his collaboration with the Senate President, a son of the area, as well as his intentional efforts at spreading development across the entire State.

The Chairman of Essien Udim LGA, Elder Ntiedo Usoroh, in his welcome remarks, expressed appreciation to the governor and his team for bringing the sensitization tour to the area, adding that choosing to celebrate valentine with Essien Udim, shows that the governor loves the people of the area.

He described the initiative as timely and impactful, particularly in empowering women through information and access to government programmes.

In her goodwill message, the State Woman Leader, Obongawan Obonado Uko, lauded the initiative and pledged sustained mobilisation of women at the grassroots.

Similarly, the president of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Women’s Forum,  Mrs. Emem Camilus Umoh, reaffirmed the commitment of Essien Udim women toward ensuring the return of Senator Akpabio, Governor Eno and President Tinubu in future political contests.

Other words of encouragement and support to the Governor, Senate President and President Tinubu, came in from aides of the Governor, the Commissioner for Transport and former chairman of the LGA, Dr. Anthony Luke; the Managing Director of Ibom Power, Mr. Camilus Umoh; Mr. Nsentip Akpabio; as well as the House of Assembly Member, Prince Ukpong Akpabio; Obong Chief Michael Afangideh ; and Engr. Enobong Patrick.

Senator Eyakenyi, explained that the sensitisation tour was aimed at rallying women to commit to their civic obligations, particularly by getting their voter’s cards ready ahead of future elections.

“The sensitization is the main objective of our coming to your local government. You must ensure your voter’s cards are intact and not worn out so that you will not be stranded on election day. Inform your daughters who are up to 18 years to also register and collect theirs,” she stated.

The Deputy Governor further charged women across the 11 wards of the local government area to register at least 100 persons each, stressing the importance of obtaining NIN to enable them participate in the ARISE Cooperative scheme and other empowerment programmes of the state government.

She noted that the governor’s alignment with the centre was to attract more development to the state, adding that unity among political leaders, including Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would continue to benefit the people of Akwa Ibom.

Reiterating the need for party registration, Senator Eyakenyi explained that broad-based participation would strengthen the state politically and economically. She also invited women to a mega rally scheduled for March 7 in Uyo, where Akwa Ibom women are expected to gather in large numbers.

Speaking on behalf of the wife of the Senate President, Dr. Ekaette Unoama Akpabio, Mrs. Eunice Thomas, noted that politics is about negotiation of power.

She, therefore, urged women to remain united and proactive, especially in an era where women are given political power and voice.

In her address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Inibehe Silas, emphasized the importance of civic awareness among women. She urged them to renew their voter’s cards, obtain their NIN, and register as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in preparation for planned empowerment initiatives for business owners through grants and the ARISE Cooperative scheme.m

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Bureau of Cooperatives, Mrs. Alice Ekpenyong, encouraged women to form cooperatives across the wards to enable them access financial support and contribute meaningfully to their families’ welfare.