Women in Akwa Ibom State, under the auspices of the Itu Women Stakeholders Forum, have thrown their weight behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, unanimously endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno and other APC candidates for another term in office.
The endorsement, which was the high point of the forum’s Grand Endorsement of APC Candidates, Grassroots Women Empowerment Programme and Award Presentation held at the Council Hall, Mbak Atai Itam in Itu Local Government Area, followed a motion moved by former two-term member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Dr. Ekaette Ebong Okon.
Okon said the candidates had justified the confidence reposed in them through their performance in office and deserved another mandate after emerging victorious at the APC primaries conducted in May 2026.
The motion was seconded by Councillor Hon. Princess Aniema Uboh and 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.
The endorsed candidates are President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor 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 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.
She said the women were committed to ensuring overwhelming electoral support for the APC in the 2027 polls.
“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 office. We stand with them and will ensure the volume of votes from Itu Local Government Area is commendable,” she said.
In her welcome address, President of the Itu Women Stakeholders Forum, Evangelist Mrs. Inemesit Maxwell Eduok, described the gathering as a demonstration of unity and confidence in the APC, saying the endorsed candidates had shown the capacity to provide purposeful leadership and deliver greater dividends of democracy.
She maintained that empowering women remained critical to economic growth, social stability and sustainable community development.
Also speaking, the wife of the Itu Local Government Chairman, Mrs. Idongesit Nkutt, reaffirmed the support of Itu women for the APC at the local, state and national levels, describing the gathering as a landmark event in the council’s political history.
She commended Governor Umo Eno for his developmental strides in Itu and encouraged beneficiaries of the empowerment programme to invest the assistance in productive ventures.
As part of the programme, 100 grassroots women, comprising 10 beneficiaries from each of the 10 political wards in Itu Local Government Area, received seed capital to establish or expand small businesses, while elderly women were presented with wrappers and tokens for feeding.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Hannah Samuel thanked the forum for the empowerment initiative, describing it as timely intervention that would strengthen small businesses and improve the welfare of families.
She pledged that the beneficiaries would utilise the seed money judiciously and remain committed to supporting programmes that promote the development of women and their communities.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to individuals recognised for their contributions to women’s development and community service.
Responding on behalf of the award recipients, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Godwin Etim Foundation, Engr. Godwin Etim, said the recognition would further inspire him to expand the foundation’s humanitarian activities.
According to him, the foundation sponsors more than 150 students annually across different levels of education and has also undertaken the construction of churches and homes for vulnerable persons.
“We believe wealth is meaningful only when it becomes a bridge for others to grow. This recognition has inspired us to do even more for humanity,” Etim said.
All endorsed candidates expressed appreciation for the love and support enjoyed from women during electioneering periods and pledged continued support to their plans and programmes which according to them, is always beneficial to family living.
