Women in Akwa Ibom State on Saturday formally endorsed President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno for re-election during a grand rally marking International Women’s Day.
The event, themed “Rights, Justice, Action,” took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu attended as a special guest. In a proclamation read by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the women highlighted the significance of International Women’s Day as a platform for their voices to be heard.
The women praised Tinubu for demonstrating “bold, reform-driven and visionary leadership through the Renewed Hope Agenda,” citing his economic and structural reforms aimed at stabilising the nation, strengthening public finances, and promoting inclusive growth. Akpabio was endorsed for his leadership in the National Assembly, which the women said fostered legislative stability, constructive executive-legislature relations, and advancement of key national reforms. They declared their support for his return as Senator and Senate President from 2027 to 2031.
Governor Eno was commended for his “superlative performance across multiple sectors” and compassionate leadership under the Arise Agenda, with a focus on agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, security management, and education. The women pledged to mobilise support across the state to ensure the trio’s continued tenure.
In response, Akpabio thanked the women for their endorsement and said their large turnout demonstrated their readiness to support the President’s second term. He also announced plans to work with stakeholders to pass the reserve seat for women bill to enhance female representation in the legislature.
Governor Eno expressed gratitude to the First Lady for commissioning the Elderly Citizens Centre in the state and for support on the coastal highway project, noting it would reduce travel time to Lagos significantly. The First Lady commended the women for their turnout and assured them of ongoing efforts to improve Nigeria’s economy and welfare for women, children, the elderly, and vulnerable groups.
The celebration featured solidarity speeches, cultural dances, artistic performances, and musical concerts, with the attendance of wives of governors and ministers from across Nigeria.
