Youths in the Etim Ekpo and Ika Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State have endorsed President Bola Tinubu, the Senate President, Senator Godswill, Governor Umo Eno, and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates as their sole choices for the 2027 general elections.
They also pledged to mobilise grassroots support for Clement Jimbo and Sir Boniface Ebewo for the Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika federal constituency and Ika State Constituency, respectively.
The youths of the two local government areas made the declaration at a grand rally organised at the Council Secretariat, Utu Etim Ekpo, on Thursday.
Thompson Thompson moved a motion endorsing the candidates, and Mr Mfron Akpan seconded it before Akaninyene Eyo conducted a voice vote.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, urged party members to remain committed to the APC and work together to secure victory for its candidates in the forthcoming elections.
Ekpo, who described himself as a constituency member, expressed confidence in the party’s leadership and predicted victory for its candidates.
He called for the re-election of President Tinubu and Senate President Akpabio, endorsed Governor Eno for a second term, and expressed confidence in Clement Jimbo and Boniface Ebewo’s electoral victory.
The minister also commended Governor Eno for creating what he described as an enabling environment for political leaders to discharge their responsibilities, stressing that the governor deserved another term in office.
Earlier, in their welcome remarks, the Chairmen of Etim Ekpo and Ika Local Government Areas, Gideon Uwa and Utibe Nwoko, respectively, said the rally was convened to reaffirm the two local government areas’ commitment to the APC and its candidates at all levels of government.
They urged party members and supporters to sustain grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reinforcing the message of unity, Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN and the Political Leader of Etim Ekpo, DIG Udom Ekpoudom (Rtd.), declared that stakeholders across the area were united in their support for President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, Governor Eno, Clement Jimbo and Boniface Ebewo, who is seeking the APC ticket for the Etim Ekpo State Constituency seat in 2027.
The youths, through their representatives, Goodnews Obidiah and Mfonobong Moses, also reaffirmed their commitment to the party’s candidates, pledging to mobilise their peers and communities towards the APC’s success in the forthcoming elections.
Speaking on youth development, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Ekerette Ekanem, highlighted the Eno administration’s interventions in education, youth empowerment, infrastructure, and employment. He urged the youths to recognise the importance of sustained development and remain actively involved in the political process.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Inibehe Silas, said women in Etim Ekpo and Ika were prepared to mobilise support for the APC candidates. She described the party as central to Akwa Ibom State’s political future and called on women to remain united and committed ahead of the elections.
Responding to the endorsement, State House of Assembly candidate Sir Boniface Ebewo and House of Representatives candidate Hon. Clement Jimbo pledged to promote proactive leadership, strategic empowerment, and participatory representation, prioritising the needs of the people.
The State APC Women Leader, Obonganwan Obonodo Uko, and the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, Dr Saviour Enyiekere, also delivered goodwill messages, with Dr Enyiekere addressing the gathering on the need for party unity and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.