Akwa Ibom: Itu Women Endorse Tinubu, Akpabio, Umo Eno, Other APC Candidates for 2027

July 07, () — Itu women in Akwa Ibom State, under the auspices of the Itu Women Stakeholders Forum (IWSF), have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was unanimously adopted on Monday during the forum’s Grand Endorsement of APC Candidates, Grassroots Women Empowerment Programme, and Award Presentation held at the Itu Local Government Council Hall, Mbak Atai.

The endorsement followed a motion moved by a former two-term member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Dr Ekaette Ebong Okon, who said the candidates had earned another mandate through their performance in office after emerging as APC flag bearers in the party’s May 2026 primaries.

Councillor Princess Aniema Uboh seconded the motion, and it was unanimously adopted by voice vote under the supervision of the presiding officer, Mrs Enobong Edidem, wife of the Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

Those endorsed are President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno, Senator representing Uyo Senatorial District, Aniekan Bassey Akpan, member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, Hon. Ime Bassey Okon, and APC candidate for the Itu State Constituency, Engr. Emmanuel Udang.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Itu Women Stakeholders Forum and former Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Obonganwan Grace Ekong, said the organisation was established to mobilise and empower grassroots women while supporting governments at the local, state and federal levels.

According to her, the forum is made up of delectable women of Itu Local Government Area and brings together women who have distinguished themselves in various professions and fields of endeavour, to add value to grassroots women and youths, as well as promote responsible political engagement in the LGA.

“We produced them in 2023, and we are set to support them again in 2027. We also want them to remember the women of Itu when they return to the office. We stand with them and will ensure the volume of votes from Itu Local Government Area is commendable,” she said.

President of the Itu Women Stakeholders Forum, Evangelist Mrs Inemesit Maxwell Eduok, said the endorsement reflected the confidence of women in the leadership of the APC, adding that the forum remained committed to promoting women’s economic empowerment and participation in governance.

The event also featured the empowerment of over 100 grassroots women, with 10 beneficiaries drawn from each of the 10 political wards in Itu Local Government Area receiving seed capital to establish or expand their businesses. Elderly women were also presented with wrappers and feeding support.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Hannah Samuel described the empowerment as timely, saying it would strengthen small businesses and improve the welfare of many families.

“This support will go a long way in helping us grow our businesses and care for our families. We appreciate the forum for this intervention and pledge to make judicious use of the seed money”, she said.

Awards were also presented to individuals in recognition of their contributions to women’s empowerment and community development.

Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Godwin Etim Foundation, Engr. Godwin Etim, said the recognition would encourage the foundation to expand its humanitarian interventions.

The endorsed candidates expressed appreciation to the women for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to continue pursuing policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of families and communities.