A’Ibom South youths back Sampson, Umo Eno, Tinubu for 2027

The decision by Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District to endorse Senator Ekong Sampson for a second term underscores growing confidence in his record as a performing lawmaker. The move reflects widespread recognition of his legislative achievements, infrastructure delivery and human capital development as key factors driving the push for his continued representation, writes EDET OKPO, PhD.

In a strong show of political solidarity, youth leaders from the three federal constituencies in Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District have unanimously endorsed Senator Ekong Sampson, Governor Umo Eno and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was made during a well-attended meeting of the Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District Youth Leaders’ Forum held at Octagon Event Centre, Eket, on Sunday, May 3, 2026, where speakers highlighted legislative performance, infrastructure delivery and human capital development as the basis for their decision. Senator Sampson was also adopted as the sole senatorial candidate for the district.

Setting the tone for the meeting, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District Forum, Mr Joe Mbong, commended Senator Sampson for his legislative milestones, quality representation and infrastructural development.

Mbong stressed the strategic importance of retaining a ranking legislator in the 10th National Assembly, noting that seniority in the Senate provides access to committee leadership and stronger budgetary influence. He said Senator Sampson’s wealth of legislative experience was already producing positive outcomes and that a second term would consolidate these gains for the district.

Speaking on behalf of Oron Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Magnus Archibong, former Vice Chairman of Oron Local Government Area, alongside Comrade Asukwo Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Don Mike, praised Senator Sampson for effective representation, human empowerment and equitable distribution of democratic dividends across the district.

They cited employment opportunities facilitated for constituents in federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the distribution of vehicles to supporters and stakeholders, and the spread of projects across Oron, Ikot Abasi and Eket federal constituencies. They pledged to mobilise massively for Senator Sampson’s re-election.

Representing Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, Hon. Ekpeno Edward Udosen and Hon. Elizabeth Williams said the people of the constituency were satisfied with the senator’s impactful representation and robust legislative contributions in the Senate. They reaffirmed their readiness to support his return to the National Assembly.

In separate remarks, Obongiwad Etienne Bob, Comrade Emmanuel Atting, Hon. Michael Uye and Obongiwad (Barr.) Godwin William unanimously scored Senator Sampson highly for his performance in lawmaking, oversight and representation.

The youth leaders emphasised the need for Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District to retain a ranking legislator, arguing that continuity would ensure increased federal presence, stronger appropriation influence and more development projects.

A formal motion endorsing Senator Ekong Sampson, Governor Umo Eno and President Bola Tinubu for second terms was moved by Hon. Idongesit Ufia of Eket Federal Constituency and seconded by Comrade (Elder) Umoetuk Umoetuk of Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency. The motion received unanimous approval from youth leaders representing the 12 local government areas in the district.

Responding on behalf of Senator Sampson, former Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Aniekpon Ekpo, thanked the youth leaders for their unity, foresight and support for the trio.

Ekpo highlighted Senator Sampson’s achievements, including employment facilitation for constituents in federal MDAs, road and electricity projects, healthcare and education support, scholarships, advocacy for the upgrade of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, to a full-fledged maritime university, calls for the revival of ALSCON in Ikot Abasi, improved funding for the Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, and sponsorship of a bill for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Eket.

According to Ekpo, Senator Sampson’s legislative profile and ranking position remain critical assets for the district, adding that his re-election would guarantee greater democratic dividends.

The meeting concluded with a resolution to establish local government and ward-level mobilisation structures across the 12 local government areas of Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District to drive the 2027 re-election campaign.