Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has publicly declared his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing the President’s commitment to national development and transformative infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Speaking during the official flag-off of a 65-kilometre, three-lane section of the highway in Nsit-Antai Local Government Area on Tuesday, Eno—who is a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—said Tinubu’s leadership transcends party lines.
“Mr. President has approved and embarked on this audacious project that is set to unlock our economic potential,” Eno said. “It could have gone elsewhere, so we do not take this for granted.”
He described Tinubu as “a visionary and de-tribalised leader,” stating that the inclusion of Akwa Ibom in the multi-billion-naira project was evidence of equitable governance.
Declaring his full support, the governor said, “Let me end by assuring our people-loving President that we will stand by him. He deserves to complete his eight years in office. He cannot start this work and abandon it.”
Quoting scripture, Eno added, “The hand that has started this work will complete it. Our prayer is for God to grant Mr. President good health and strength to finish what he has begun so it doesn’t become another abandoned project like the East-West Road.”
President Tinubu, in remarks delivered by Eno, emphasized that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would be a catalyst for socio-economic growth and national integration.
“Road infrastructure is a key catalyst for development—it creates ease in movement of goods and services, stimulates interstate connectivity, and improves lives,” Tinubu stated.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, also praised the project and acknowledged the support of Governor Eno. He revealed that Tinubu had directed HITECH Construction Company to immediately mobilize to the Calabar-Itu Road, promising it would be motorable within two months.
Meanwhile, PDP’s Publicity Secretary in Akwa Ibom, Edwin Ebiese, clarified that Eno’s remarks reflected support for national development, not a formal party endorsement of Tinubu’s 2027 ambition. “Such matters will be addressed at the party’s forthcoming general meeting,” he said.