BY SOLOMON OKPO
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance following his emergence as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general election in Ibiakpan Obotim Ward II.
Governor Eno secured the party’s nomination during the APC direct primary election held at Government Primary School, Ikot Akpabin, amid widespread support from party faithful and stakeholders.
Addressing supporters shortly after the exercise, the Governor described the overwhelming endorsement as a renewed call to service, assuring Akwa Ibom people that he would intensify efforts toward delivering more democratic dividends in what he termed “call to service part two.”
He disclosed that his administration would undertake a comprehensive assessment of the ARISE Agenda to identify areas requiring improvement, while also unveiling plans for an upgraded development blueprint tagged “ARISE Agenda 2.0.”
According to him, the renewed policy direction is aimed at consolidating existing achievements and addressing developmental gaps for the benefit of the people of the state.
Governor Eno expressed gratitude to God and the people of Akwa Ibom, noting that it was unprecedented in the state’s political history for a ruling party to produce a sole governorship candidate through a primary process.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and members of the National Assembly for what he described as reforms that strengthened internal democracy within political parties.
The Governor particularly praised the abolition of indirect primaries, saying the new process has made party primaries “free, fair and transparent for everyone to see.”
He also appreciated the leadership and members of the APC in Akwa Ibom State for the confidence reposed in him through the nomination.
“What you have done today is indeed a clear message for me to work some more, and I understand the message perfectly,” the Governor stated.
“I stand here to assure you that by the grace of God, I will continue to put in my best in the service of this land, Akwa Ibom State,” he added.
Governor Eno further reaffirmed the state’s support for President Tinubu’s second-term bid, expressing confidence in the President’s developmental agenda for Nigeria.
He equally acknowledged the support of Senate President Akpabio and assured him of continued backing from Akwa Ibom people toward his re-election to the Senate and return as President of the 11th Senate.
The Governor also called on opposition political parties to emulate the APC’s conduct during the primaries, which he described as peaceful, transparent and credible.
He urged political actors and prospective candidates across party lines to focus their campaigns on issues rather than personal attacks, warning against actions capable of overheating the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 elections.
