BY SOLOMON OKPO
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have declared overwhelming support for the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other key political figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was made on Wednesday during a well-attended town hall meeting that brought together political leaders, elders, entrepreneurs, women, and youth groups across the council.
Also endorsed were Senator Ekong Sampson and Member of the House of Representatives, Okpolupm Etteh, with stakeholders stressing the need for continuity in leadership at both federal and state levels.
Participants at the meeting underscored unity, accountability, and inclusive governance as critical pillars for the development of Esit Eket, while aligning themselves with the “Renewed Hope” and “ARISE Agenda” policy directions.
Setting the tone, former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Bassey Dan Abia Snr., described the gathering as community-driven and rooted in civic responsibility. He noted that Esit Eket remains predominantly APC and committed to progressive politics.
“Our focus is on moving Esit Eket forward and recalibrating its growth trajectory. We must remain conscious of the welfare of our people and the future of our community,” he said.
In his remarks, Special Adviser to the Senate President on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, called for greater transparency in the management of funds under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), particularly the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT).
Eyiboh urged stakeholders and relevant authorities to scrutinise alleged governance lapses in the administration of the fund, stressing that it must serve its intended purpose as a development intervention for host communities.
“We must remain vigilant and ensure accountability. This platform allows citizens to ask questions and fully exercise their civic rights,” he stated.
Former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Bassey Essien, also addressed the gathering, while ex-lawmaker Usoro Akpanusoh emphasised the importance of zoning in maintaining political stability.
Akpanusoh reaffirmed support for Etteh’s second term bid, noting that the zoning arrangement favours Ibeno Federal Constituency, and also backed Senator Sampson’s return to the Senate. He further called for a broader stakeholders’ engagement to address developmental concerns within the local government.
Representatives from the three zones of Esit Eket echoed similar sentiments.
Speaking for Zone A, Prince Godwin Peter commended the unity among stakeholders and endorsed Etteh for a second term. Zone B representative, Dr. Victor Dan Ikott, described the political direction as “a straight path,” pledging support for Tinubu, Akpabio, Sampson, and Etteh.
From Zone C, Martins Umoyo backed the re-election of Governor Umo Eno alongside other endorsed leaders, urging sustained confidence in the current administration.
Women leader Mercy Sam called for greater inclusion of women in governance and more visible development projects, while youth representative, Comrade Bassey Bassey Abia, pledged the support of young people, urging protection of indigenous interests.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to unity, transparency, and inclusive leadership, as stakeholders chart a common political direction for Esit Eket ahead of the 2027 elections.
