2027: Akwa Ibom Royal Fathers Back Eno’s Re-election, Promise Support
…Governor announces November 16 campaign commencement, promises more development
Traditional rulers in Akwa Ibom State have offered royal blessings and prayers for Governor Umo Eno’s successful re-election in 2027, pledging their support for his second-term ambition.
The royal fathers made their position known during a consultation visit by the Governor to the Traditional Rulers’ Chambers in Uyo, where they commended his administration for promoting peace, transparency, community development and the welfare of traditional institutions.
The President-General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers and Oku Ibom Ibibio, Ntenyin Dr. Solomon Etuk, praised Governor Eno for what he described as a responsible and transparent approach to governance.
He particularly commended the Governor’s commitment to due process in project execution, noting that contracts were awarded only after funds had been approved, while payments were made in line with established procedures.
According to him, the practice would help minimise abandoned projects and ensure effective utilisation of public resources.
Ntenyin Etuk also applauded the administration for sustaining peace across the state and extending welfare packages to traditional rulers.
He listed the various benefits provided to the traditional institution and expressed confidence that the Governor would do more for the royal fathers if re-elected in 2027.
The traditional ruler consequently urged his colleagues to work together with their subjects to promote continuity and support Governor Eno’s second-term ambition.
Similarly, the Chairman of the State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers and Paramount Ruler of Abak Local Government Area, HRM Akuku Saviour Udofia, alongside his predecessor and Paramount Ruler of Udung Uko LGA, HRM Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, commended the Governor for his leadership.
They particularly appreciated his community-based development projects, welfare interventions for senior citizens and support for the traditional institution.
Both royal fathers offered prayers for the Governor and assured him of their support ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Speaking during the consultation, Governor Eno expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers for their support since he assumed office in 2023, acknowledging their contributions to peace, unity and stability across their respective domains.
He assured them that the traditional institution would continue to enjoy its pride of place and greater recognition under his administration, particularly if given another mandate.
The Governor urged the royal fathers to support continuity, good governance and peaceful coexistence, stressing that sustained peace remained essential for accelerated development.
He also announced November 16, 2026, as the commencement date for his second-term campaign, which will begin in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
According to him, the choice of Mkpat Enin was strategic and reflected respect for his wife’s place of origin.
Eno appealed to the traditional rulers to support his re-election through their votes, prayers and grassroots mobilisation, promising improved governance and enhanced welfare packages for the royal fathers upon his return to office in May 2027.
He urged them to deploy their influence as custodians of culture and grassroots leaders to promote political understanding, unity and support for the government’s development agenda.
Highlighting his administration’s commitment to the traditional institution, the Governor listed the provision of official vehicles, a Coaster bus, personal assistants, quarterly medical assistance, 13th-month allowances and other welfare interventions among the benefits extended to the royal fathers.
On the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport, Governor Eno clarified that the recent approval secured from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was for the actualisation of the project and not merely permission to negotiate or obtain a licence.
He explained that the approval would pave the way for the Federal Government’s sovereign guarantee and equity participation, which he described as critical to attracting investors and moving the project forward.
The Governor urged Akwa Ibom people to support major development initiatives rather than criticise them, recalling the initial opposition that greeted the establishment of Victor Attah International Airport and Ibom Air, both of which have since become important assets to the state.
He expressed optimism that Akwa Ibom would become a major investment and development destination before the end of his proposed second tenure in 2031.
Governor Eno also called for support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other APC candidates, insisting that the state must sustain its prevailing atmosphere of peace.
He described the peace being enjoyed in Akwa Ibom as a collective achievement that required continuous sacrifice and commitment.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, recalled the Governor’s 2022 campaign promise to make Akwa Ibom better than he met it.
He said traditional rulers could now testify to the progress recorded under the administration, citing development projects and interventions across various wards.
Archibong also congratulated Governor Eno on President Tinubu’s successful visit to Akwa Ibom, describing it as evidence of the confidence reposed in the state by the Presidency.
He urged the traditional rulers to remain supportive of the administration and communicate its achievements to residents at the grassroots.
