Advocating issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has called on political parties and candidates across the country to focus on development-driven engagements rather than personal attacks and inflammatory rhetoric capable of overheating the polity.
The Governor made the appeal shortly after emerging as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the party’s direct primary election held at Government Primary School, Ikot Akpabin, in Mbiakpan Obotim Ward II, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Eno described his emergence as the APC standard bearer as a renewed call to greater service, assuring the people of Akwa Ibom that his administration would intensify efforts at delivering more democratic dividends in what he termed “call to service part two.”
He disclosed that as part of preparations for a possible second term, his administration would constitute a committee to undertake a comprehensive appraisal of the performance of the ARISE Agenda with a view to identifying gaps and areas requiring improvement. According to him, the outcome of the assessment would give rise to an enhanced development blueprint to be known as “ARISE Agenda 2.0.”
The Governor explained that the proposed policy framework would consolidate achievements already recorded by his administration while introducing fresh strategies aimed at accelerating development across critical sectors of the state economy.
Governor Eno expressed gratitude to God, APC stakeholders and the people of Akwa Ibom for the overwhelming support that culminated in his emergence as the party’s sole governorship candidate, describing the development as unprecedented in the political history of the state.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and members of the National Assembly for reforms he said had strengthened internal democracy within political parties, particularly the abolition of indirect primaries.
According to the Governor, the direct primary process has made party nominations more transparent, credible and reflective of the wishes of party members.
“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, assuring the people that he would continue to give his best in the service of Akwa Ibom State.
Reiterating his commitment to peaceful and mature political engagement, the Governor announced his readiness to participate in debates and other democratic platforms that would provide opportunities to further articulate his plans and vision for the people ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Earlier, Chairman APC Governorship electoral Committee for Akwa Ibom, Ambassador Nwofe Alexander, while declaring Governor Eno winner of the Governorship primaries, stated that the Governor who was the sole aspirant polled 392,653 votes to satisfy the party’s constitution and guideline requirements.
By; Ikechukwu Agbamegbue, Uyo.
