Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as a bold democratic reform that has strengthened internal party democracy through the adoption of direct primaries in the country’s electoral process.
The governor also applauded Senate President Godswill Akpabio and members of the National Assembly for enacting the law abolishing indirect primaries, saying the new system has restored credibility, transparency and fairness to party primaries across the nation.
Governor Eno made the remarks shortly after emerging as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress during the party’s primary election held at Government Primary School, Ikot Akpabin in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area on Thursday.
Addressing party faithful, supporters and stakeholders after the exercise, the governor expressed deep appreciation for the overwhelming endorsement and support he received from delegates and party members, describing the outcome as a demonstration of confidence in his leadership and administration.
He said the adoption of direct primaries has given ordinary party members the opportunity to participate actively in choosing candidates, thereby reducing manipulation and enhancing trust in the democratic process.
According to him, the transparent conduct of the primary election reflected the commitment of the current administration at the federal level to deepening democracy and ensuring that the will of the people prevails.
Governor Eno noted that the era when a few individuals determined candidates behind closed doors was gradually giving way to a more open and participatory democratic culture.
He commended President Tinubu for providing what he called a “template for credible primaries,” stressing that the reforms have strengthened confidence among party faithful and promoted unity within the APC.
The governor equally reserved special praise for Senator Akpabio, saying the Senate President played a critical role in supporting legislative reforms that have transformed the nation’s electoral process.
He maintained that the new system has reduced internal wrangling in political parties and made candidates more accountable to grassroots members rather than a handful of political power brokers.
Speaking on his emergence as the APC governorship candidate, Governor Eno described the victory as more than a political achievement, saying it represented a renewed call to serve the people of Akwa Ibom with greater dedication and commitment.
“This second term ticket is a call to greater service. We see it as a mandate from the people to continue the work we have started and to do even more for the development of our dear state,” the governor said.
He assured residents that his administration would remain focused on delivering good governance, infrastructural development, economic growth and improved welfare for citizens across the state.
The governor stated that his administration would carefully assess the implementation of the current ARISE Agenda to identify areas where improvements are needed, adding that efforts would be intensified to close identified gaps for the overall benefit of the people.
He disclosed that plans were already underway for the introduction of “ARISE Agenda 2.0,” which he said would build on the achievements already recorded while introducing new initiatives aimed at accelerating development across critical sectors.
Governor Eno explained that the next phase of the agenda would focus on expanding opportunities for youths and women, improving healthcare delivery, enhancing educational standards, boosting agricultural productivity and attracting more investments into the state.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusiveness, peace and sustainable development, promising that no part of the state would be neglected under his leadership.
The governor also called on party members to remain united ahead of the general election, urging them to work together to ensure victory for the APC at all levels.
He stressed that unity within the party would be essential for sustaining progress and consolidating on the gains already achieved by the administration.
Political observers at the event described the peaceful conduct of the primary election as a positive sign for the party in Akwa Ibom State, noting that the overwhelming support for Governor Eno underscored his growing influence within the APC structure in the state.
Party supporters who thronged the venue celebrated the governor’s emergence with songs, dancing and chants, expressing confidence that his administration would continue to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.
The atmosphere at the Government Primary School venue remained festive long after the announcement of the results, as supporters hailed the governor’s leadership style and developmental strides.
With the governorship primary now concluded, attention is expected to shift toward the broader political contest ahead of the next general election, where Governor Eno will seek another mandate to continue implementing his administration’s vision for Akwa Ibom State.
