Women in Akwa Ibom State have publicly endorsed Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Umo Eno, and Godswill Akpabio for re-election, signalling growing political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections. The endorsement took place during a large gathering organised to mark International Women’s Day in Uyo on March 8, 2026.
The rally, themed “Rights, Justice, Action,” was held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium and drew thousands of women from across the state. The event served both as a celebration of women and a political show of support for the current leadership at both the state and federal levels.
Women Declare Support for Tinubu’s Second Term
In a proclamation read by the state’s Deputy Governor, Akon Eyakenyi, the women expressed strong support for President Tinubu, citing his administration’s economic reforms and governance agenda.
According to the declaration, the women believe Tinubu has shown “bold, reform-driven and visionary leadership” through his Renewed Hope Agenda, which they say aims to stabilise the economy, strengthen public finances and lay the foundation for long-term national development.
The group therefore pledged to mobilise women across Akwa Ibom State to support the president’s bid for a second term in office.
Backing for Governor Umo Eno
The women also endorsed Governor Umo Eno for another term as the state’s leader, praising his performance since assuming office.
They highlighted what they described as his people-centred leadership and the implementation of the Arise Agenda, which focuses on agriculture, rural development, infrastructure expansion, education and improved security across the state.
According to the proclamation, these policies have contributed to development across several sectors and improved the welfare of residents.
Support for Akpabio’s Continued Leadership
The endorsement also extended to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom the women praised for providing effective leadership in the National Assembly of Nigeria.
They said his leadership has helped strengthen cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government and facilitated the passage of reforms aimed at economic recovery and national development.
The group further declared its support for his return to the Senate and continuation as Senate President after the next election cycle.
Leaders Respond to the Endorsement
Reacting to the show of support, Akpabio thanked the women for their endorsement and praised their turnout at the event, saying it reflected their commitment to the political future of the state and the country.
He also used the opportunity to advocate for stronger representation of women in politics, noting that the National Assembly is working toward passing a reserved seats bill for women to improve female participation in governance.
Governor Eno also expressed gratitude to the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, who attended the event as a special guest. The governor commended the president for major national projects, including the coastal highway initiative, which he said would significantly improve connectivity between regions of the country.
Celebration of Women and Political Mobilisation
The International Women’s Day celebration featured speeches, cultural displays, musical performances and solidarity messages from women leaders and political stakeholders.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu commended the women of Akwa Ibom for their massive turnout and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to policies aimed at improving the welfare of women, children, the elderly and other vulnerable groups in society.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The endorsement highlights the early political alignments already taking shape as Nigeria moves gradually toward the 2027 elections. Public declarations of support from organised groups, particularly women and youth organisations, are increasingly becoming a feature of the country’s political landscape.
For the ruling party and its allies, the endorsement from Akwa Ibom women represents both a symbolic and strategic show of grassroots support, reinforcing the importance of women as a powerful political constituency in Nigeria’s democratic process.