May 23 (THEWILL) — A former governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, James Iniama, has thrown his weight behind the second term bid of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, declaring that the governor has justified the confidence reposed in him through impactful governance and the unification of the state’s political structure.
Iniama made the declaration in East Itam V, Ward 7 of Itu Local Government Area shortly after leading party faithful to nominate Governor Eno as the sole governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Speaking during the ward primary exercise, Iniama said Governor Eno’s performance under the ARISE Agenda had surpassed expectations, stressing that continuity was necessary to enable the governor complete critical projects and sustain ongoing development across the state.
According to him, although several aspirants contested the governorship ticket in 2023, Governor Eno emerged victorious because “God knew best”.
“In 2023, we all came out to contest for the office of governor, but he won the ticket. I believe God knows better than all of us and that is why He gave Umo Eno victory”, he stated.
He commended the governor for fostering political unity in Akwa Ibom State through the APC, noting that the decision had brought former political rivals together under one umbrella.
“His decision to bring the state together under APC was a great idea. Today, we have Akwa Ibom united. I also thank the people of my ward for agreeing to come together. Today, I can sit with my kinsmen under one umbrella to discuss progress without issues”, Iniama said.
The former governorship aspirant further cited ongoing infrastructure projects, rural development initiatives, empowerment programmes, and the governor’s peaceful disposition as additional reasons why Akwa Ibom people should support Eno for another term in office.
Also speaking, the International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Akparawa James Edet, who hails from the ward, applauded Governor Eno for what he described as people-oriented governance and visible developmental strides across the state.
Edet said the governor had demonstrated sincerity, humility and commitment to the welfare of the people, adding that the administration’s achievements in road construction, education, healthcare and economic empowerment justified calls for his re-election.
On his part, the APC Chapter Chairman in Itu Local Government Area, Archibong Tom, urged party members to remain united and mobilise support for all APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He specifically called for support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno, maintaining that the APC remained committed to sustaining development at both the federal and state levels.
The Ward Chairman, Elder George Utip, thanked party faithful for standing firmly with the leadership of the party and maintaining peace within the ward.
He said the prevailing unity and peaceful coexistence in the ward had distinguished it among wards in Itu Local Government Area and Akwa Ibom State at large.
Utip urged members to continue working together in the interest of the party and the overall progress of the state.
