Citizenship Politics
Traditional rulers in Akwa Ibom State have declared their support for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The monarchs, comprising paramount rulers, clan, village and family heads, as well as their spouses, from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District made the declaration during a special rally held on Saturday at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium. They cited the developmental achievements of the three leaders as the basis for their collective endorsement.
Speaking at the event, the Itai Afe Annang and Paramount Traditional Ruler and Leader of Afe Annang, Obong Blaise Awakama, who chaired the ceremony, described the gathering as historic, noting that it was the first time traditional rulers in the state had come together to acknowledge the accomplishments of their sons.
In a statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media/Communication to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong, Obong Awakama said the rulers had carefully assessed the performance of President Tinubu, particularly his transformation of Lagos State prior to becoming president and his ongoing economic reforms, which he noted had increased financial resources available to states and local governments for development.
He added that the monarchs also reviewed the record of Senator Akpabio, from his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, when he initiated far-reaching development, to his service as Senate Minority Leader and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, during which the headquarters of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was completed alongside other projects across the region.
According to Obong Awakama, the traditional rulers further acknowledged Akpabio’s performance as Senate President, highlighting people-focused legislation such as the establishment of development commissions and the Students Loan Act, among others.
On Governor Umo Eno, the monarch said the rulers recognized his role in fostering peace in the state and ensuring inclusive development that reaches rural communities, not just urban centres. He said, having observed these achievements, the rulers felt compelled to openly declare their support.
He explained that the endorsement was meant to publicly affirm their confidence in the trio and encourage their return to office in 2027 to sustain ongoing development efforts.
Also speaking, 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 based on the leaders’ demonstrated capacity for effective leadership, good governance and consistent public service at both federal and state levels.
Following a unanimous voice vote adopting the endorsement, Akuku Udofia said the decision reflected the collective position of the Traditional Rulers Council in support of leadership that promotes peace, unity, good governance and constructive engagement with traditional institutions.
Receiving the memorandum of endorsement, Governor Umo Eno described the gesture as unprecedented and expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers for their continued support.
Senator Akpabio, who accepted the endorsement on behalf of himself and President Tinubu, described the action as uncommon and thanked the traditional institution for the recognition. He assured that President Tinubu remained committed to improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Akpabio also expressed confidence that Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District would increase its support for President Tinubu, Governor Eno and himself, and urged the traditional rulers to encourage their subjects to register and obtain their permanent voters’ cards in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
