2027 Elections: Massive Crowd in Eket Backs Okpolupm Etteh, Endorses President Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno

2027 Elections: Massive Crowd in Eket Backs Okpolupm Etteh, Endorses President Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno

A massive crowd of supporters converged at Farlem Hotel in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, in a strong show of support for federal lawmaker, Hon. Okpolupm Etteh, while also endorsing President Bola Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno.

The gathering which took place on Friday 20 March recorded an overflow attendance, pointed to the growing grassroots backing for the lawmaker, following a recent stakeholders’ meeting where he presented his scorecard after over two years in office.

Chairman of the event, Chief Aniekan Akpan, said the meeting was a fallout of the earlier stakeholders’ engagement where Etteh’s performance was assessed and rated highly by critical stakeholders in the federal constituency. He noted that the turnout reflected widespread acceptance of the lawmaker’s stewardship and called for future events to be held in larger venues.

Chief Akpan also commended the amended Electoral Act for encouraging broader participation of party members in candidate selection, expressing confidence that the growing support base would translate into victory for Etteh at the primaries.

On the Stubb Creek issue, he maintained that land matters lie with the state government, urging state lawmakers from affected local government areas to push for proper delineation.

Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries of an employment scheme, Hanson Eshiet lauded Rep. Etteh for facilitating job opportunities for indigenes, particularly in the academic sector, noting the potential to produce more professionals, including professors, in the coming years.

Women leaders also pledged support, with Grace Ntuk, Women Coordinator for Etteh, describing the lawmaker as a philanthropist with a long-standing record of kindness. She assured that women across the constituency would mobilise strongly for his success at the primaries.

Representing the socio-political group, Eket Rescue Network, Prince Edoho Akpanette insisted that Etteh would complete the eight-year slot for Ibeno Local Government Area, as done by other LGAs. He added that youths across the Eket LGA were ready to rally support for the lawmaker’s second-term bid.

Speakers from Eket Central, Urban, and Okon zones highlighted constituency projects executed by the lawmaker, including employment facilitation, educational infrastructure, and solar-powered ICT centres.

Speaking for Eket Urban, Chief Akpan Monday delivered an emotional address, stressing the importance of acting with a clear conscience. He admitted that his decision during the 2023 nomination process did not sit well with him, noting that he has now resolved to openly support what he believes is right.

He declared that it is the turn of Ibeno to complete the eight-year tenure, urging unity among the four LGAs. “If Eket, Esit Eket, and ONNA have taken their turns, nothing should stop Ibeno from taking theirs,” he said, while encouraging supporters not to be afraid.

Speaking for Okon zone, former Eket LGA Chairman, Hon. Nsikan John, acknowledged that a female aspirant from the zone had joined the race but revealed she had been advised to step down as it was not yet Okon’s turn. He emphasised the need for sincerity in politics, stating that “the truth is worth saying,” and urged elders to guide the younger generation accordingly.

John also praised Etteh’s performance, expressing confidence that the lawmaker would complete eight years in office.

The immediate past leader of Eket legislative council, Hon. Samuel Ekpo, said his presence at the event was voluntary. He commended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, noting visible improvements, and praised Governor Umo Eno’s governance.

On Etteh’s performance, Ekpo stated: “The Right Honourable has done excellently well. Nobody has achieved what he has achieved in this Federal Constituency within two and a half years. In the next one year, he will do more. I have never doubted him and I will not doubt him.”

A former Vice Chairman of council, Hon. Ekanem Willie, listed key projects facilitated by Etteh, including classroom construction, solar-powered boreholes, market stalls, street lights, school fencing, skills acquisition programmes and other life touching programmes.

In his vote of thanks, Campaign Director-General, Obong Kingsley Mbre, appreciated supporters for their peaceful conduct and overwhelming turnout, while apologising for the venue’s inability to accommodate the crowd.

The event featured a unanimous endorsement of President Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno, and Hon. Okpolupm Etteh, alongside a call for continued mobilisation in support of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

A minute of silence was also observed in honour of the late Petronilla Atim, described as a committed supporter of the lawmaker.