Thousands of youths under the banner of Akwa Ibom Youth United have formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, declaring their collective support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement came during a mass youth streets rally in Uyo, where Governor Eno addressing the massive crowd, expressed deep appreciation for their loyalty and solidarity.
Recalling past events, the Governor said, “I remember the last time there was a strike, the youth of Akwa Ibom refused to participate. That was a wonderful support.”
Governor Eno said the backing from youths had strengthened his commitment to their future. “It gives us much more inspiration to continue to work for you, to continue to put in our best, under any condition, to ensure that we create a future that our youth will be proud of,” he said.
He reiterated his administration’s focus on skills and education, noting that “there are two ways to make it. Either you learn a skill, or you go to school, and government is prepared to support you.”
The Governor announced an expansion of training at the Dakada Skill Acquisition Centre, directing that for this academic session, each local government will send 50 with local councils adding another 50 participants per local government.
Governor Eno also announced an increase in bursary support to students of the state;
“Your bursary goes up to 50,000 Naira. You have to make sure that you are in school,” he said, while assuring youths that government would continue to invest in their progress.
He further disclosed that a youth policy was being developed for the first time in the state.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Ekerete Ekanem, said the gathering was a deliberate show of unity and endorsement.
Dr Ekanem said the youths were publicly committing themselves to Governor Eno’s leadership.
Similarly the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in the state, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, said the youths had gathered to reaffirm their political stance.
“They came out today to tell you thank you, and then to also reassure you that come 2027, they will continue to support the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said, adding that they would also “fall behind Pastor Umo Bassey Eno.”
The Chairman of Akwa Ibom Youth United, Martins Esin, described the endorsement as decisive. He said, “We endorsed the Senate president, Senator Godswil Obot Akpabio and principally we endorsed you and adopted you this morning as the sole candidate of the youth of Akwa Ibom State.”
The endorsement was formally sealed when the Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon Otobong Bob, moved a motion adopting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno as the sole candidates of Akwa Ibom youths for the 2027 elections, a motion that was seconded by Uwemedimo Asuquo.