16/08/2026
Central Ibiono Ibom Youth Movement Endorses Tinubu, Eno, Other APC Candidates for Second Term
.. cite Moses Essien’s advocacy, visionary leadership and developmental strides as basis for endorsing his second-term bid.
By Williams Akpabio
The Central Ibiono Ibom Youth Movement (CIYM) has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Senator Aniekan Bassey, Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ime Okon, and Member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Moses Essien, for a second term in office.
The endorsement was made on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Pavilion in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area during a gathering of the youth movement attended by members from various wards in Central Ibiono Ibom.
The youths said their decision was based on what they described as the performance, commitment to service and developmental initiatives of the political leaders.
The motion for the endorsement was moved by Barr. Anietie Bassey of Ward 10 and seconded by Barr. Aniebiet Archibong of Ward 9.
Declaring the gathering open, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Inyang George, said the meeting was convened to endorse the candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
George said the decision followed an assessment of the candidates’ performances and contributions to the development of the people and the state.
Responding to the endorsement, Hon. Moses Essien, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security, expressed appreciation to the organisers and participants for their support.
Essien, who spoke on behalf of the other endorsed candidates, commended the youths, elders and women of the area for coming together to demonstrate their confidence in the candidates.
He thanked the organisers for the endorsement, saying the confidence reposed in them would further encourage the political leaders to do more for the people.
On the administration of President Tinubu, Essien described his performance as commendable, while also praising Governor Umo Eno for what he described as significant achievements across Akwa Ibom State.
He cited projects and interventions including Grace Estate, Ibom Medical City, Ikpanaya Road, Use-Ikot-Amama Road, the Model Primary School at Ikot Ekop and support for the Mother and Child Specialist Hospital, among other initiatives in Ibiono Ibom.
Earlier, in his welcome address and keynote remarks, the President of the Central Ibiono Ibom Youth Movement, Comrade Ekemini-abasi Udoh, said the youths had carefully assessed the leadership and developmental efforts of the endorsed candidates before arriving at their decision.
Udoh said the youth were determined to make a deliberate choice concerning their future, stressing that continuity was necessary where leaders had demonstrated commitment to development.
In their goodwill messages, Sir John Udoh commended Hon. Moses Essien and declared support for the second-term bid of all the endorsed APC candidates.
Speaking on behalf of the women, Mrs. Agness Udoh assured that women in the area would support Essien’s return to the State House of Assembly alongside the other endorsed candidates.
The APC Chapter Chairman in Ibiono Ibom, Comrade Ime Imeh Ikpong, assured members that the party would work towards ensuring the success of its candidates across the local government area.
Representing political stakeholders from Northern Ibiono Ibom, Mr. Ndueso Akpan described Essien’s advocacy as “superb” and his leadership as visionary.
Similarly, the President of Ibiono Ibom Village Youth, Akparawa Edem Christ, pledged the support of the youth for all the endorsed APC candidates, particularly Hon. Essien, whom he commended for what he described as exceptional leadership.
Also speaking, the former Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Ekomabasi Akpan, declared his support for the APC candidates and called on others to support their re-election.
The Leader of the Ibiono Ibom Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Idorenyin Umoren, also said the Eastern mandate had declared its support for the endorsed APC candidates.
The gathering was attended by political leaders, stakeholders, youth and women, including the President of IBIYODED, Prince Godwin Asanga; former IBIYODED President, Akparawa Imo Ekong (Pa Imo Udoekong); Mr. Gregory Okon, Councillor representing Ibiono Ibom Central II; Hon. Uwem Usuah; Hon. Edet Nse, Director-General of EnwongoAbasi Campaign Organisation; Hon. Bassey Eyibio; Rt. Hon. Godwin Ekpenyong, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Mobilisation; Akparawa Emmanuel Edem; Hon. Peter Donald; Mr. Umana Idorenyin; Hon. Blessing Daniel; Prince Diamond Usoro; Mr. Asuquo; Dr. David Umoh, JP; Pharm. Abasiama Uwatt; among others.
The endorsement comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the youth movement pledging to mobilise support for the endorsed candidates.
Information Unit,
Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly