June 4 (THEWILL) — As political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to take shape in Akwa Ibom State, leaders in the Uyo Senatorial District have signalled their readiness to resist what they describe as attempts to undermine Governor Umo Eno’s administration through personal attacks and negative political campaigns.
The position was articulated by former Senator and political leader, Effiong Bob, who urged political actors to embrace issue-based campaigns and present alternative programmes to the electorate rather than targeting the governor’s personality.
Speaking with journalists in Uyo, Bob said the district would not remain indifferent to sustained attacks on Governor Eno, arguing that criticism should focus on governance and policy issues rather than personal matters.
“If you want to play politics, play politics without bitterness. Play politics without attacking persons and going into personal issues”, he said.
Bob noted that while Governor Eno serves the entire state, he is also a son of Uyo Senatorial District and deserves the same level of support accorded to previous governors from other senatorial districts.
According to him, many within the district view persistent attacks on the governor as an attempt to diminish the political standing of the zone.
The former lawmaker maintained that democratic engagement should be driven by ideas, programmes and performance, urging aspirants preparing for the 2027 elections to clearly articulate what they would do differently if elected.
He declared that the Uyo Senatorial District remained firmly behind the governor and expected him to complete what he described as the conventional eight-year governorship cycle enjoyed by previous administrations in the state.
“You cannot shift the goalpost while the match is on. He has just completed the third year in his first term”, Bob stated.
He argued that Governor Eno had continued to pursue the implementation of his ARISE Agenda and the mandate given to him by Akwa Ibom voters in the 2023 election.
Highlighting projects undertaken by the administration, Bob cited the ongoing International Conference Centre and Hilton Hotel developments, expressing confidence that significant progress would be visible before the end of the year.
He also pointed to the payment of pensions and gratuities as one of the administration’s notable achievements, saying the intervention had provided relief to thousands of retirees across the state.
Bob urged political stakeholders to allow voters to judge aspirants on the basis of their vision, programmes and performance, insisting that the contest for 2027 should be driven by ideas rather than personal attacks.
