Sunday January 25, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
Traditional rulers from Akwa Ibom North-West (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial District have unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno for second terms in office ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was formally announced on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium during a grand rally organised by the royal fathers, where the trio was adopted as the district’s sole candidates, effectively barring any form of further consultation for the three offices.
Speaking separately at the event, the Itai Afe Annang, Obong Blaise Awakama; the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council and Chairman, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Saviour Sylvester Udofia; and the Paramount Ruler of Oruk Anam, J.J. Obosi, said the decision was based on the outstanding performance, stability, and visible achievements recorded under the leadership of the endorsed officials.
They commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his infrastructural interventions in Akwa Ibom State, particularly the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, and for supporting the emergence of Senator Godswill Akpabio as President of the Senate, which they said has strengthened the State’s voice at the national level.
The royal fathers also lauded Governor Umo Eno for promoting peace, unity, and inclusive governance across Akwa Ibom State, as well as ensuring the equitable distribution of development projects, declaring their total support for his second-term bid in 2027.
Expressing satisfaction with the quality of representation from the district, the traditional rulers equally endorsed Senator Godswill Akpabio for another term, describing his leadership at the National Assembly as impactful and beneficial to the people of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria at large.
Responding on behalf of the endorsed leaders, Governor Umo Eno expressed profound gratitude to the traditional institution for the confidence reposed in him and the Senate President, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to deepening development through the ARISE Agenda.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the endorsement as a reflection of the trust and confidence of the royal fathers of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, assuring them of his continued dedication to effective representation and national service.
The high point of the ceremony was the formal presentation of a memorandum of endorsement to the Governor and the Senate President by the royal fathers, alongside the conferment of the traditional title “Akwa Obong Emem” on Governor Umo Eno, in recognition of his peace-building efforts and leadership style.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obong Emem Ekperikpe Ekpo; Director-General of Campaigns, Chief Assam Assam, SAN; Executive Director, Projects, NDDC, Sir Victor Antai; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong; and members of the National Assembly, led by Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem, among other dignitaries.
