Former Minister of Petroleum Resources and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State Atuekong Don Etiebet has thrown his weight behind Pastor Umo Eno for his re election plan in 2027 governorship election in the state .
Speaking during the APC meeting tagged “Homecoming” held OrukAnam local Government headquarters Ikot Ibritam , Etiebet disclosed that he would also support Governor Umo Eno to produce successor in 2031 .
“Pastor Umo Eno will not only serve a full 8-year tenure but will also be empowered to choose his successor”.
Etiebet while addressing political leaders, party faithfuls and stakeholders in the area , explained that governor Umo Eno’s performance, coupled with the growing unity within the APC have placed the party on a strong pedestal to dominate Akwa Ibom politics in decades to come.
Etiebet announced his exit from the PDP which he described as the same party he introduced into the state adding that the APC has become dominant political force in Akwa Ibom.
“Umo Eno is assured of his second term of four years. After that, he will choose his successor with our support, and then his successor will choose the next successor, because APC is here to stay”
The former Petroleum Minister insisted that PDP has gone into extinction in the state and predicted that APC will remain power for 24 years without any challenge.
”Governor Umo Eno had set up and funded a party executive structure comprising more than 9,500 personnel to drive grassroots mobilization”.
Etiebet who was physically excited at the APC home-coming initiative, commended the Oruk Anam Council Chairman Hon Sunday Festus for massive infrastructural development in the area particularly the expanded road network and the transformation of Ikot Ibritam roundabout into a major junction linking three strategic roads in the area.
He charged APC members to deliver not less than 90 per cent of Oruk Anam votes to the APC in future elections.
He further urged them to intensify voter registration efforts and ensure that every eligible resident obtains a Permanent Voter Card (PVC).
As part of political sensitization, Etiebet urged the local government chairman to legally brand completed road projects with APC insignia and the governor’s identity.
“This branding would reinforce the party’s presence and strengthen political consciousness across rural communities.
“In Oruk Anam today, every trader, every cyclist walks and rides on roads constructed by Umo Eno- led APC government.
“Party faithfuls and electorates must be made to remember this reality while going to the polling booth in 2027”.
Etiebet explained that the gathering was mandated by Governor Umo Eno to foster unity within the APC family and reaffirm loyalty to his leadership in the state
“We are here to show that we are loyal to APC under Governor Umo Eno, who is the head and leader in the state,”
He thanked party elders, stakeholders, and supporters for their presence, expressing confidence that Eno would be fully briefed on the outcomes of the homecoming meeting.
The APC home-coming meeting was attended by high-profile personalities, including Hon. Sampson Idiong, Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Assembly; Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sunday Festus Akpan, Executive Chairman of Oruk Anam; Dr. Ekem Sunday Emmanuel, Commissioner for Health and Mrs. Idongesit Iboro Etiebet.
Others were Delivery Adviser to the Governor; Dr. Ahmadu Attai, former APC State Chairman; and Mr. Christopher Nelson, APC Chapter Chairman of Oruk Anam, among other party chieftains.
