UYO
A major political decision that could shape the balance of power in Etinan Local Government Area ahead of the 2027 general elections emerged on Tuesday, as stakeholders unanimously agreed that the APC candidate for the Etinan State Constituency, Hon. Pius Emmanuel John, should serve only a single four-year term.
The resolution, which formed the central outcome of an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting held at the residence of Hon. Uko Friday Umoh in Uyo, was adopted as part of a broader zoning arrangement designed to preserve equity, fairness, and political stability across the 11 wards of the local government.
Stakeholders said the one-term concession would allow the completion of an existing rotational arrangement between Etinan North and Etinan South, aligning with what they described as a long-standing political understanding within the area.
The meeting was attended by a wide spectrum of party leaders and interest groups, including the Executive Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area, Mr. Uko Umoh, members of the Elders Forum, former and serving political office holders, APC chapter and ward executives, youth and women representatives, as well as persons living with disabilities.
In the communiqué issued at the end of deliberations, participants emphasized that the decision to limit the tenure of the incoming House of Assembly member was necessary to avoid political tension and ensure continuity of the zoning framework, stressing that adherence to zoning remains a critical tool for managing diversity and maintaining unity within Etinan’s political structure.
They urged all aspirants and political actors to align with the decision in the interest of party cohesion, warning against actions that could trigger internal divisions ahead of the elections.
The meeting also ratified a sweeping endorsement of candidates across all major elective positions under the All Progressives Congress, adopting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate for 2027 and pledging overwhelming electoral support from Etinan, while Governor Umo Bassey Eno received unanimous backing for a second term based on his ARISE Agenda and inclusive governance.
At the National Assembly level, stakeholders endorsed Senator Aniekan Bassey for re-election, citing his legislative record and constituency projects, while Hon. Paul Ekpo was adopted as the sole candidate for the House of Representatives.
They also passed a vote of confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio and APC State Chairman Stephen Leo Ntukekpo, commending efforts to stabilize and reposition the party in Akwa Ibom State, while reaffirming loyalty to the APC and warning against anti-party activities, internal litigation, and divisive media engagements.
As part of preparations for the 2027 elections, the stakeholders approved the establishment of a 21-member Etinan 2027 Victory and Reconciliation Committee to reconcile aggrieved members, drive voter registration, and deliver a target of 50,000 votes for the party, alongside plans for a fundraising structure and monthly ward-level endorsement rallies beginning in June 2026.
They called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to take note of the consensus as the will of the Etinan people and urged security agencies to ensure neutrality and provide a level playing field during the elections.
The stakeholders concluded that Etinan had taken a firm stand for continuity, stability, and development, choosing unity over division and collective interest over personal ambition, while directing that the communiqué be transmitted to relevant national and state authorities.
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