RismadarVoice Reporters, May 10, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has been cleared by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest in the party’s forthcoming governorship primary election ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The screening exercise took place on Saturday at the Plateau State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, as part of the APC’s nationwide vetting process for aspirants seeking the party’s tickets.
Governor Eno appeared before members of the party’s National Working Committee led by the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, for verification and eligibility assessment and was subsequently cleared to participate in the primary election.
Speaking during the screening, the governor said his administration remained committed to the implementation of the ARISE Agenda, noting that several people-oriented projects had been executed across the 31 local government areas of the state within the last three years.
He stated that his second term bid would focus on consolidating achievements already recorded in infrastructure, healthcare, rural development and social welfare.
Governor Eno identified the Compassionate Homes project as one of the initiatives dearest to his administration, explaining that the programme targets the construction of 500 homes for vulnerable women in rural communities.
According to him, over 400 homes have already been completed, with assurances that the remaining units would be delivered within the next year.
The governor also disclosed that all local government areas in the state had benefited from at least one major project, while investments in healthcare had contributed to improved access to quality medical services.
He further stated that Akwa Ibom had recently been recognised as one of the fastest-growing health agencies in Sub-Saharan Africa due to strategic investments in the sector.
Governor Eno revealed that he facilitated the defection of two senators, eight members of the House of Representatives, 24 members of the State House of Assembly and 360 ward councillors into the APC.
He commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio for supporting his administration and aligning with his vision for the development of the state.
The governor maintained that his administration operates an inclusive government and attributed the steady progress recorded in the state to the prevailing peace and unity.
He also commended members of the APC National Working Committee for what he described as a seamless screening exercise.
In his remarks, the APC National Chairman praised the pace of development in Akwa Ibom State and urged the governor to sustain the momentum, noting that the achievements recorded by the administration reflected the support and acceptance it enjoys from the people.
Governor Eno attended the screening alongside members of the State Executive Council, including the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah; APC State Chairman, Stephen Ntukekpo; and members of the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, members of the National Assembly later visited the governor at the Akwa Ibom State Lodge in Abuja to congratulate him on his successful screening and reaffirm their support for his administration.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Senator Aniekan Bassey commended the governor for promoting unity and peace in the state and pledged continued support for the ARISE Agenda.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, described Governor Eno’s leadership as peaceful and unifying, noting that the governor remains the only aspirant cleared by the APC for the governorship race in the state.
The APC State Chairman, Stephen Ntukekpo, also lauded the governor for his leadership and commitment to unity, while stakeholders at the meeting pledged continued support for the administration.
Governor Eno, in his response, thanked Senate President Godswill Akpabio and members of the state caucus for their solidarity and support, assuring them of his commitment to working with all stakeholders for the continued development of Akwa Ibom State.
