UFC 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳: GOV. ENO’S NO IMPOSITION STANCE RESETS 𝗣𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗨S, AS 𝗜𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗞𝗣𝗢 𝗔𝗦𝗨𝗧𝗔𝗡 𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗠𝗦 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗖 𝗘𝗗𝗚𝗘

• 𝗨𝗬𝗢, 𝗨𝗥𝗨𝗔𝗡, 𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗧 𝗔𝗧𝗔𝗜 Align, Bet on Grassroots Strength

… Stakeholders Adopt PBAT, Sen. Godswill, Gov. Umo Eno For Second Term

Akwa Ibom State political landscape is witnessing a decisive reset following Governor Umo Eno’s firm declaration rejecting imposition and automatic tickets, insisting instead on open, direct primaries within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Test your popularity in direct primaries, there won’t be imposition,” the Governor stated—a position now widely interpreted as a structural shift that transfers power from elite endorsements to grassroots validation.

This pronouncement has significantly altered permutations ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly in the contest for the Uyo Federal Constituency seat, where Ibesikpo Asutan stakeholders say the new rules of engagement favour their long-standing quest for representation.

At a historic convergence held at Chief E. O. Eyo Memorial Square, Ediam, leaders, elders, women, and youths from the ten wards of Ibesikpo Asutan presented a rare show of cohesion, signaling readiness to compete under the Governor’s no-imposition doctrine.

The gathering, described as unprecedented, drew a massive turnout and featured an array of political heavyweights and grassroots mobilizers united around a singular objective: reclaiming the House of Representatives seat after 24 years on the margins.

Commentators, while reviewing the governor’s birthday speech with the special children aligned fully with the Governor’s stance on direct primaries, declaring that Ibesikpo Asutan is best positioned to thrive in a system that rewards structure, spread, and organic support.

They said emerging political alignment across the constituency as a defining advantage. With Uyo and Uruan leaders already showing support, and growing “justice-driven” sentiments from Nsit Atai, Ibesikpo Asutan believes the path is clearer under a transparent primary system.

According to them, this evolving consensus effectively neutralizes the old order of automatic tickets and selective endorsements and place Ibesikpo Asutan at the forefront of a broad-based coalition.

“This is the kind of contest we have always asked for,” a stakeholder noted. “Let the people decide. With the goodwill we have built across Uyo, Uruan, and Nsit Atai, we are confident the numbers will speak.”
It was a show of rare unity and resolve on Friday as political leaders, elders, women and youth stakeholders from the ten wards of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area converged on Chief E. O. Eyo Memorial Square, Ediam, in what was described as an unprecedented gathering.

The crowd spilled beyond the venue, stretching into adjoining premises, as stakeholders spoke with one voice on the political future of the area ahead of 2027.

Present at the epochal occasion included: Rt Hon (Otuekong) T. O. Akpan, The Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi, FUTIA, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Rt. Hon. Dr Emaeyak Ukpong, Obong Akpaudo, Barr. Ime Asibong, Obongunwana Emmanuel Obot, Obong Iniobong Ekpenyong, Rt Hon Eyakeno Etukudoh, Elder Ita Essen, representative of Dr Linus Nkan; Hon (Barr) Akaninyene Ben, Rt Hon Aniekan Uko, PhD, Elder Ubong Ekpo, Elder Augustine Ukpong, Hon Gabriel Akpan, Obonganwan Mary Ikpoto, Hon Nsikak Ukim, Obong Ekemini Ukim, Hon Nsikan Udosen, Hon Daniel Ekanem, Hon Daniel Bassey, Hon John Job, an ace broadcaster, Mrs Comfort Williams, Obong Ide Owodiong and wife, representatives of all the 10 wards, Traditional Rulers, Christian Community, Mboong Ibaan, youth, stakeholders, among others.

Speaker after speaker unanimously endorsed President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for another term in office.

However, beyond the endorsements, the meeting drew a clear line on representation in the Uyo Federal Constituency, declaring that “it is the rightful turn of Ibesikpo Asutan” to produce the member of the House of Representatives in 2027.
Obongunwana Emmanuel Obot revealed that leaders in Uyo and Uruan have shown significant understanding and support, while voices in Nsit Atai are tilting towards what he described as “justice and balance.”

“What we are seeing is beyond Ibesikpo Asutan. Uyo, Uruan and even Nsit Atai are aligning with this cause because it is rooted in fairness, Obot said.

Reinforcing the equity argument, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko, the former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly emphasized that Ibesikpo Asutan has waited long enough and is now prepared to prove its strength democratically.

“For over 24 years, we have been patient, highlighting the voting strength of the area, noting that Ibesikpo Asutan consistently delivers significant electoral numbers after Uyo Local Government Area.

“After Uyo, Ibesikpo Asutan delivers the highest votes in this constituency. With our structure and the goodwill we have built, we are confident of victory. He appealed to the governor to answer the prayers of ibesikpo Asutan.

Mrs. Comfort Williams, an ace broadcaster, speaking on behalf of women stakeholders, commended the Governor’s inclusive governance style and developmental strides across the area.
“From healthcare to women empowerment, we have felt the impact of this administration. Our support for His Excellency is total,” she said.

In a communiqué read by The Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi, FUTIA, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Rt. Hon. Dr Emaeyak Ukpong, stakeholders at the meeting said the demand was anchored on “equity, fairness and balanced representation,” noting that the area has been largely sidelined since 1999.

Part of the communiqué read: “In over 24 years, Ibesikpo Asutan has not enjoyed equitable representation in the House of Representatives despite its contributions to the political stability of the constituency.”

They reeled out the history of representation in the constituency: Dr Emaeyak Ukpong from Ibesikpo Asutan (1999–2003), Hon Bassey Etim from Uruan (2003–2010), Obongunwana Emmanuel Obot (brief tenure through court ruling), Hon Emmanuel Ekpenyong TEMPO from Nsit Atai (2011–2015), Hon Michael Enyong from Uyo (2015–2023), and Hon Mark Esset from Nsit Atai (2023 to date), insisting the pattern underscores a clear imbalance against Ibesikpo Asutan.

“This is not agitation for favour. It is a demand for justice,” one of the leaders declared.
Another speaker said, “After Uyo, Ibesikpo Asutan delivers the next highest votes in this constituency. We have waited. 2027 is our turn.”

The stakeholders also commended Governor Eno for what they described as visible interventions across the area, citing the Model Primary Health Centre at Ikot Nkwo, ARISE Compassionate Homes, ongoing Model Primary School at Mbirebe Obio, World Bank-assisted Rural Access Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) road traversing Owot Uta–Ikot Okubo–Ikot Ikere–Afaha Udoeyop–Edeobom 1 linking Ibesikpo Asutan to Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, 1.06km outfall discharge drain from the International Worship Centre to Ring Road 11 through Afaha Ikot Obio Nkan, ongoing emergency intervention on a landslide in the area, 36km Nung Udoe–Afaha Offiong–Ikot Imọ–Itreto Road, the 3.6km Mbikpong Ikot Edim–Afaha Ikot Osom–Afaha Ikot Akpa Edu Road, establishment of oil palm processing mills for women empowerment, ARISE Farmers Grant, Traders Grant, Equipment Support Scheme and MSME initiatives, appointment of indigenes into key government positions, as well as ongoing construction of Ibom International Hotel and International Conference Center at Tropicana.

They said the interventions have strengthened inclusion and accelerated development in the area.

Earlier, Rt. Hon. T. O. Akpan, who chaired the meeting of the Leaders, appealed to the governor, as leader of the party in the state, to support the emergence of a candidate from Ibesikpo Asutan in the next general elections.

“We respectfully call on His Excellency to consider, on the grounds of equity and fairness, the emergence of a candidate from Ibesikpo Asutan,” he appealed.

He further noted growing support from leaders in Uyo and Uruan, as well as “justice-driven voices” in Nsit Atai, urging sister local government areas to reciprocate the support Ibesikpo Asutan has given over the years.

He also recalled the role of the area in the political evolution of the state, referencing the contributions of past leaders, especially Obong E. O. Eyo (Eyo Uyo)

The meeting, which coincided with the 62nd birthday of Governor Eno, featured goodwill messages and prayers for the governor, President Tinubu and Senate President Akpabio.

The meeting culminated in the adoption of a communiqué formally appealing to the Governor, as leader of the party in the state, to support the emergence of a candidate from Ibesikpo Asutan.

The motion for adoption was moved by Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko, PhD, and seconded by Rt. Hon. Eyakeno Etukudoh, sealing what stakeholders described as a unified and strategic position.