The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, arguing that the South deserves to remain in power for eight years—just as the North previously did.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Otong stated that both the people of Akwa Ibom and Governor Umo Eno support the president due to his performance in office.
“All of us have said Tinubu is doing very well, and we are going to support him for a second term,” Otong said. “The Northerners had their eight years; the South must also have theirs.”
The Speaker praised the president for ensuring that state governors have access to adequate funds, noting that Akwa Ibom has not had to seek loan approvals from the House under Governor Umo Eno’s administration—a development he attributes to Tinubu’s financial policies.
“This shows that the President is doing very well by making sure that governors can manage their states effectively. That’s why there is peace everywhere,” he said.
This endorsement aligns with a recent comment by Governor Eno, who said President Tinubu would remain in office till 2031. The governor, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also hinted at a possible defection, citing the party’s dwindling capacity to support his political aspirations.
Otong’s remarks further underscore a growing trend of Southern leaders across party lines rallying behind the Tinubu administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
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