Candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, emerged victorious in the governorship election held on Saturday, March 18. According to the results announced at the INEC collation center in Uyo, the state capital, Eno won in 29 out of the 31 local government areas in the state, garnering a total of 350,348 votes. Bassey Albert of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), who won in two local government areas, emerged as Eno's closest challenger with 136,262 votes. Akanimo Udofia of the All Progressives Congress (APC) came third with 127,602 votes, losing in all the local governments in the state, including Nsit Ibom where he hails from.
The announcement of the results marked the end of a keenly contested governorship election in Akwa Ibom State. Eno's victory was greeted with jubilation by his supporters, who thronged the streets to celebrate the historic feat. The PDP candidate had campaigned on a platform of continuity and consolidation of the gains made by the outgoing governor, Udom Emmanuel, in the areas of infrastructure, health, education, and human capital development.
Eno, a seasoned technocrat and administrator, has promised to take Akwa Ibom to greater heights and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every nook and cranny of the state. He has also pledged to run an inclusive government that will carry all segments of the society along and prioritize the welfare of the people.
The successful conduct of the Akwa Ibom governorship election has been commended by many Nigerians, who see it as a testament to the maturity and resilience of the country's democracy. INEC has also been lauded for its professionalism and impartiality in the conduct of the polls. The stage is now set for Eno to be sworn in as the next governor of Akwa Ibom State, and Nigerians are hopeful that he will fulfill his campaign promises and lead the state to greater heights.
