Akwa Ibom PFN Backs Umo Eno for Second Term, Declares Him Sole 2027 Choice
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Grace Chidimma Ibe
UYO, Akwa Ibom State — The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has endorsed Governor Umo Bassey Eno as its sole preferred candidate for the 2027 Akwa Ibom State governorship election.
The endorsement was contained in a communique issued on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, after a special meeting of the fellowship held at the Faith and Power Church Headquarters in Uyo.
The communique was signed by the PFN Akwa Ibom State Chairman, Bishop Dr. Emmanuel Etim, and the General Secretary, Apostle Dr. Nseabasi Udo-Okoh.
The fellowship said its decision followed its consideration of what it described as the political, developmental and spiritual realities in the state, as well as the performance of the Eno administration.
According to the PFN, the governor’s administration has recorded achievements in areas including peace and good governance, infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, human capital development and economic growth.
The fellowship also highlighted Eno’s background as a pastor and member of the Pentecostal community, citing his support for the Christian faith and various faith-based initiatives.
It particularly commended the administration’s ARISE Agenda, describing it as the framework guiding the government’s development policies and programmes.
The PFN said the impact of the ARISE Agenda across various sectors had strengthened its belief in the need for continuity and consolidation of the administration’s policies.
The fellowship also praised the governor’s commitment to peace, unity and harmonious coexistence in Akwa Ibom, noting the role of churches and faith-based organisations in promoting moral values, community development and social responsibility.
“Having considered these and other relevant matters,” the communique stated, “the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, hereby endorses Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, as its sole preferred candidate for Governor of Akwa Ibom State in the 2027 Governorship Election.”
The PFN urged its members, Pentecostal churches, Christian leaders and the wider Christian community to remain prayerful, peaceful and united while supporting the development of the state.
It also appealed to political stakeholders to conduct themselves with decorum and mutual respect and to comply with the laws governing the electoral process.
The fellowship said the endorsement was based on its conviction that continuity, stability and sustainable development were important to the future of Akwa Ibom.
It added that the achievements of the current administration should be consolidated rather than disrupted.
The special meeting ended with the presentation of the communique to Pastor Joe Linus, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters, for onward transmission to Governor Eno.
The presentation followed a motion moved by Bishop Dr. Samuel Akpan and seconded by Archbishop Effiong Ekoi.
Several religious and political figures also delivered goodwill messages at the meeting. They included Primate Prof. Isaiah Issong, Dr. Sylvanus Ukafia, Archbishop Josephine Eggah, former Senator Helen Esuene, Pastor Tony Mfon and Bishop Godwin Akpaniko.
Others included the Governor’s aide on Religious Matters, Rev. Mrs. Enobong Ibok, and Rev. Mrs. Angela Ashong.
The speakers reportedly commended the PFN for its resolution and expressed support for the governor’s leadership and the continuation of the ARISE Agenda.
The endorsement comes ahead of the 2027 governorship election, in which political parties and interest groups are expected to intensify consultations and mobilisation across Akwa Ibom State.
Governor Umo Bassey Eno assumed office as Governor of Akwa Ibom State in May 2023. His administration has anchored its development agenda on the ARISE framework, with emphasis on infrastructure, agriculture, rural development, investment, human capital development and social welfare. The 2027 election is expected to determine the successor to Eno or whether his political platform will retain control of the state.
