2027 Polls: Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Back Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno for Second Term

Traditional rulers in Akwa Ibom State have endorsed President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno for re-election ahead of the 2027 general and presidential elections.

The endorsement came from monarchs drawn from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, including paramount rulers, clan, village and family heads, as well as their spouses. They made the declaration during a special rally held on Saturday at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium.

The traditional rulers said their decision was based on what they described as the developmental achievements and leadership records of the trio at both federal and state levels.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Anietie Ekong, Special Assistant on Media Communication to the Senate President, the Itai Afe Annang and Paramount Ruler of Afe Annang, Obong Blaise Awakama, who chaired the rally, said the gathering was historic.

“For the first time in the history of Akwa Ibom State, traditional rulers have come together to acknowledge the good deeds of their distinguished sons,” Obong Awakama said.

He noted that the rulers had observed President Tinubu’s track record, recalling how he transformed Lagos State before becoming president, as well as his ongoing economic reforms, which they said have increased funds available to states and local governments for development.

“The Traditional Rulers are saying they have seen the uncommon deeds of our distinguished son, Senator Godswill Akpabio, from his time as governor when he turned Akwa Ibom State into the heaven that we see today,” Awakama said.

He also highlighted Akpabio’s roles as Senate Minority Leader and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, citing the completion of the Niger Delta Development Commission headquarters and other regional projects, as well as his current leadership as Senate President.

According to him, the monarchs also praised Governor Umo Eno for promoting peace in the state and ensuring that development reaches rural communities, not just urban centres.

“They say they cannot see all these things and keep quiet,” he added.

Speaking separately, 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 followed a unanimous voice vote by the council.

“This endorsement represents the collective decision of the Traditional Rulers Council in recognition of their proven leadership, good governance and sustained public service,” Udofia said.

Receiving the endorsement, Governor Umo Eno described the gesture as unprecedented and thanked the traditional rulers for their continued support.

Senate President Akpabio, who accepted the endorsement on behalf of himself and President Tinubu, called it uncommon and expressed gratitude to the traditional institution. He assured that President Tinubu was committed to improving the lives of Nigerians.

Akpabio also said Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District would “double their votes” for Tinubu, Eno and himself in 2027, urging traditional rulers to encourage residents to register and collect their permanent voters’ cards ahead of the elections.

Opinion Nigeria News