By Ekaette Okon -Joseph
Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor Sen. Akon Eyakenyi on Wednesday led a mobilisation drive for women in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, urging mass participation in the ongoing electronic voter’s registration and sustained support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the sensitisation programme, Eyakenyi, who represented Gov. Umo Eno, said the administration remained committed to the welfare, inclusion and empowerment of women across the state.
She described women as the backbone of politics and development in Akwa Ibom, noting that they account for more than half of the population in Ibiono Ibom and would play a decisive role in future elections.
“Our women are leaders and nation builders. Your strength in number will determine what happens in 2027,” she said adding, “Remain united, register and vote for the APC.”
The deputy governor also dismissed suggestions of political division, declaring the state “100 per cent APC,” and highlighted what she described as inclusive governance through road projects, compassionate homes, modern health centres and youth employment initiatives spread across local government areas.
The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Noble Lady Helen Obareki, said the call for electronic registration reflected the governor’s commitment to participatory governance.
She urged women to translate their support for Gov. Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Tinubu into reality by registering.
Also addressing the gathering was Rt. Hon. Ime Okon, member representing Ibiono-Itu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, who was represented by his wife, Mrs Victoria Ime Okon, thanked the governor for what she described as consistent support for Ibibio communities, particularly women, and pledged continued political backing for the administration.
“We will reciprocate this support by standing firmly with the governor and the president in 2027,” she said.
Hon. Moses Essien, member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency in the House of Assembly, described women as indispensable to societal development and urged them to participate actively in the e-registration exercise.
He said the APC had remained women-friendly and cited infrastructure projects including Idoro Road, Ikot Edem Road, Ikpanya Road and the Mother and Child Hospital as evidence of the administration’s impact.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Asuakak Umo, described the mobilisation as a practical step towards strengthening unity at the grassroots.
He said the initiative aligned with the state’s “Akwa Ibom United” agenda and would deepen women’s involvement in governance and community development.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Inibehe Silas, encouraged women to register en masse to ensure they were not left out of elections or government empowerment programmes, describing the governor as a strong advocate for women-focused policies.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Cooperatives, Rt. Hon. Alice Ekpenyong, urged women to embrace entrepreneurship and cooperative societies to improve their economic independence. She called for the establishment of women-centred cooperatives across the 13 wards of the local government and stressed the importance of completing registration to benefit from state initiatives.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Market Matters, Idoreyen Raphael, commended the administration for maintaining peace and stability, noting that Akwa Ibom had become increasingly attractive to residents and investors.
He added that the governor’s performance had strengthened public confidence in the APC across communities.
The mobilisation forms part of the state government’s broader grassroots strategy to consolidate support ahead of the next general elections, with women expected to play a central role in voter turnout and political participation, the event attracted an array of political and business leaders in the state.
