Idara Jerome, Uyo
The Isong Annang Ethnic Forum has hinged its decision to back President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno and all All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the 2027 elections on what it described as the need for continuity, peace and sustained development.
The forum’s National President, Prince Mendy Archibong, made this known on Wednesday in Uyo while outlining the organisation’s position on the political and developmental trajectory of Akwa Ibom ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Archibong said the group’s decision followed its assessment of development interventions under Eno’s administration, particularly in infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth development, human capital development and social investment.
He said the forum would mobilise and sensitise its members across Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and beyond in support of the position, while advocating peaceful and issue-based political engagement.
According to him, the development of youth centres across the 31 local government areas, compassionate homes and other humanitarian interventions were among initiatives that informed the forum’s assessment of the state government.
He also cited ongoing major projects, including the Ibom Specialist Hospital, and the commissioning of completed projects across the state as evidence of investments in infrastructure and public services.
Archibong, however, said the real test of government projects was their effect on citizens, rather than the number of projects announced or commissioned.
“For us, development is not merely about the number of projects completed. It’s about how those projects affect ordinary people; whether a road makes transportation easier, whether a health facility saves lives, whether a school provides better learning opportunities, or whether a youth empowerment programme gives a young person a productive future,” he said.
The forum also identified the relationship between the state government and Akwa Ibom’s representatives at the federal level as another factor it considered important to the state’s development.
Archibong specifically pointed to the relationship between Governor Eno and Akpabio, saying the Senate President’s position had provided the state with a significant presence at the national level.
He said Akwa Ibom could maximise opportunities at the federal level when its political leaders maintained constructive relationships irrespective of party or personal differences.
The forum consequently urged political actors and support groups to subordinate personal interests to the collective interest of the state as political activities intensify ahead of 2027.
Archibong said the organisation would continue to promote responsible political participation and peaceful elections, urging voters to scrutinise the records and programmes of political actors.
“As we approach the 2027 general elections, we urge the people to pay attention to records, programmes, competence, accountability, and the capacity of political leaders to develop meaningful development,” he said.
The forum said it had been profiled by the Directorate of Support Groups in line with the directive of the Akwa Ibom State Government before declaring its endorsement of Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno and all APC candidates for the forthcoming elections.
The organisation’s position also follows its previous interventions on political issues involving Akwa Ibom’s leaders. In June, it defended Akpabio against allegations concerning comments purportedly disparaging Northern Nigeria, describing the allegations as unsubstantiated and calling for national integration and peaceful coexistence.
Archibong said the forum would use its structures to engage its members and communities on issues affecting the state, while encouraging the media to sustain conversations around governance, development and accountability.
He said the group believed that Akwa Ibom’s future should be anchored on peace, responsible leadership, continuity of development and meaningful participation by citizens.
