Ahead of the 2027 general and presidential elections, traditional rulers in Akwa Ibom State have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second four-year term, citing his economic reforms and leadership achievements.
The monarchs also declared their support for the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, ahead of the next general polls.
The endorsement came during a special rally held on Saturday at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, organised by traditional rulers drawn from the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District. The gathering included Paramount Rulers, clan, village and family heads, as well as their spouses.
Speaking at the event, the Itai Afe Annang and Paramount Ruler of Afe Annang, Obong Blaise Awakama, who chaired the rally, said the endorsement was historic, noting that it was the first time traditional rulers in the state had come together to collectively recognise the achievements of their sons.
According to Obong Awakama, the monarchs acknowledged President Tinubu’s record of transforming Lagos State before assuming office as President, as well as his ongoing economic reforms, which he said have increased financial resources available to states and local governments for development.
He also highlighted Senator Akpabio’s achievements as former governor of Akwa Ibom State, his tenure as Senate Minority Leader and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, and his current role as Senate President, pointing to people-oriented legislation such as the Students Loan Act and the creation of development commissions.
On Governor Umo Eno, the traditional ruler praised his peace-building efforts and inclusive development approach, noting that projects have reached rural communities across the state.
Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council and Paramount Ruler of Abak, His Royal Majesty Akuku Saviour Sylvester Udofia, said the unanimous endorsement reflected the monarchs’ confidence in the trio’s leadership capacity, commitment to good governance and sustained public service.
Receiving the memorandum of endorsement, Governor Umo Eno described the gesture as unprecedented and expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers for their continued support.
Senator Akpabio, who accepted the endorsement on behalf of himself and President Tinubu, thanked the traditional institution and assured that the President remained committed to improving the lives of Nigerians. He urged the traditional rulers to mobilise their subjects to register and collect their permanent voters’ cards ahead of the 2027 elections.
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