Women in Akwa Ibom State have declared support for the re election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno during a large gathering to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Uyo.
The event, held on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, drew a large crowd of women from across the state. Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, attended as special guest at the rally, which was organised under the theme, Rights, Justice, Action.
Speaking on behalf of the women, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, read a proclamation endorsing the three political leaders for another term in office. She said the occasion provided an important platform for the women of the state to make their position known.
In their endorsement of President Tinubu, the women said his administration had shown courage and direction through the Renewed Hope Agenda. They said his government had introduced key economic and structural reforms aimed at restoring stability, strengthening public finances and supporting broad based national development.
The women also threw their weight behind Senate President Akpabio, praising his role in providing leadership in the National Assembly. They said his stewardship had helped maintain legislative stability and improved representation, while also encouraging cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government.
According to the proclamation, Akpabio’s leadership in the Senate has supported the passage of reforms and policies designed to improve governance, promote economic recovery and advance national development. The women also credited him with strengthening democratic institutions and projecting Nigeria’s interests through parliamentary engagement at the international level.
They therefore declared their support for his return to the Senate in 2027 and backed his continuation as Senate President through 2031.
Governor Umo Eno was also endorsed by the women, who commended his performance in office and described his leadership as compassionate and people focused. They said his administration had recorded progress in agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, security and education under the Arise Agenda.
The women further pledged to mobilise support across the state to ensure the return of the three leaders to office at the next election cycle.
Responding to the endorsement, Senator Akpabio thanked the women for what he described as a strong show of support. He said the turnout at the event reflected their commitment to the political direction they had announced.
He also noted that many of the women had waited for hours to receive the First Lady, describing it as a sign of affection and loyalty to President Tinubu and his wife. He said the gathering showed clear readiness among the women to support the President for a second term in office.
Akpabio added that the National Assembly would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to pass the proposed bill on reserved seats for women, with the aim of improving female representation in legislatures across the country.
Governor Eno, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for visiting Akwa Ibom to commission the Elderly Citizens Centre named in her honour. He also thanked President Tinubu for the ongoing coastal highway project, saying the development would improve travel and connectivity in the country.
The First Lady praised the women of Akwa Ibom for their strong participation in the International Women’s Day celebration. She assured them that President Tinubu remained committed to strengthening the economy and improving the welfare of women, children, older persons and other vulnerable groups.
The event also featured solidarity messages, cultural displays, artistic presentations and musical performances. It was attended by the wives of governors and ministers from different parts of the country.
