President Bola Tinubu has announced that he will not attend every All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general election, a move that may shut the possibility of the President visiting Akwa Ibom State before the end of his first tenure.
It can be recalled that the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, had repeatedly announced that the President would be visiting the state to commission some projects as part of the state anniversary celebration. But The Guide Newspaper reported that President Tinubu had rejected pleas from Pastor Umo Eno, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to visit the state and commission projects.
The Guide Newspaper had earlier reported that, despite the state government’s announcement that Tinubu would visit Akwa Ibom for project commissioning during the state’s 39th anniversary celebrations, the President had not accepted the invitation or assigned the commissioning to another federal official.
Local residents expected the visit because the state government joined the ruling All Progressives Congress party to get more federal support. However, the President did not show up throughout the anniversary celebration, leaving local leaders and citizens disappointed.
His latest announcement has brought renewed attention to the questions raised in that report. The APC campaign train is expected in Akwa Ibom on November 18, but the President’s announcement that he will skip some rallies does not specifically confirm whether he will attend the state event or make a separate visit to commission projects.
There is also no confirmed information that Vice-President Kashim Shettima will undertake the proposed commissioning. The state government needs to clarify the status of the planned exercise.
Beyond the presidential visit, the Guide newspaper’s earlier report highlighted concerns expressed by political stakeholders and residents over road conditions, project execution and the state government’s development priorities. Questions have also been raised over Governor Eno’s claim concerning the Ibom Deep Seaport and the suggestion that Tinubu had secured the project for Akwa Ibom. The state government should provide verifiable details on the project’s status and any federal commitment to it.
The Guide Newspaper stands by its earlier report and maintains that public announcements about presidential visits and project commissioning should be supported by clear, verifiable information. As November 18 approaches, residents deserve answers on the proposed commissioning, the projects ready for inauguration and the status of major development promises made by the state government.
Opposition politicians have used the opportunity to question the wisdom of aligning with the center. They argue that true development should depend on good governance rather than party membership. These arguments are gaining traction among young people who want to see direct economic improvements.
State government officials are urging calm while trying to secure a new date for the President’s visit. They maintain that dialogue with federal ministries remains open and positive. However, patience among the local population is wearing thin as months pass without major updates.
As political preparations for future elections begin to take shape, the pressure on local leadership will likely increase. How the government handles these broken expectations could heavily influence public trust and political choices in the state for a long time.
