Technology executive Akparawa (Engr.) Emmanuel Edet Willie has declared his support for Governor Umo Eno’s bid for a second term in office, saying continuity is important for ongoing projects in Akwa Ibom State.
Willie made the declaration in an interview with Olokuns Media Network, where he praised the governor’s investments in technology, infrastructure and youth development.
Eno, who is seeking re-election in 2027, emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate after the party’s primary in May.
Willie said he had moved his Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) from Lagos to Akwa Ibom and intended to campaign for Eno.
“I have already moved my PVC from Lagos to Akwa Ibom because I will be there, I will campaign for him,” he said.
He also said he would use his influence within his community to support the governor.
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Why Willie says he supports Eno
Willie’s strongest argument centred on the governor’s technology and youth-development initiatives.
He specifically pointed to the establishment of youth development centres across Akwa Ibom’s 31 local government areas.
The state government says the centres are designed to provide young people with training in areas including e-commerce, creative industries and fashion, with the initiative intended to improve social mobility.
For Willie, the investment in technology infrastructure could have longer-term consequences if young people use the facilities and skills opportunities available to them.
“To see a Governor who has reached out to the grassroots and is building an IT hub across the 31-level government of Akwa Ebom State, I mean, for me, when I have that, I have to move my PVC from Lagos to Rio because I will campaign for him,” he said.
The reference to moving his PVC to “Rio” appears to be a transcription error; Willie said elsewhere in the interview that he had moved his PVC from Lagos to Akwa Ibom.
Willie links continuity to technology projects
Willie argued that a change in administration could affect projects already underway.
“Look at the IT hub that is building. If you bring in another person there, all those investments will go down the drain and it will just start another agenda,” he said.
His position echoes an argument already made by Eno himself.
When submitting his nomination form earlier this year, Eno said he was seeking another term partly because several projects started under his administration would not be completed within the first term.
The governor has also described his proposed second-term agenda as ARISE 2.0, which he said would build on his administration’s first-term programme.
However, whether continuity would produce better outcomes remains a political question for voters and other stakeholders to assess.
From youth training to jobs
Willie’s endorsement also comes against the backdrop of his own Foundation, which he says will train young people in ICT and solar installation.
He argued that government investment in technology infrastructure would have greater value if young people acquire the skills needed to use it.
His comments come as the state government expands its youth empowerment programmes.
In July, the government approved a ₦31 billion economic empowerment programme expected to benefit 165,912 residents across the state’s 31 local government areas. The programme covers youths, women, traders, farmers, transport operators and small businesses.
The government has also reported thousands of youths trained through programmes including Ibom-LED and the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, alongside start-up support for some beneficiaries.
Willie said the focus should now move beyond training towards economic participation.
“Revenue is collected manually. Yes, all our processes are manual. It should be digitalised,” he said.
He argued that technology could improve government processes, reduce delays and help limit leakages in revenue collection.
Those are Willie’s proposals rather than evidence that such reforms have already been adopted by the state government.
Willie praises Eno’s record
The technology executive also cited infrastructure and healthcare projects as reasons for his support.
“The governor has done so well,” he said.
“Number one, if he is flying to you, you will agree with me that there is no replica of the airport. That is amazing. The road network, fantastic.”
He also mentioned investments in healthcare and housing before returning to what he described as the administration’s investment in human capital.
“Again, he has invested into the health. Look at the hospital he has built along Ikorik Benin Road. Marvellous,” Willie said.
“What he is doing in housing and the creme de la creme of it all is the investment in the human capital development and the choice of using IT, which is a catalyst, for me, that is the icebreaker.”
The state government has reported a range of projects and programmes during Eno’s first term, including healthcare investments, youth empowerment and infrastructure development. The administration says it has provided more than ₦6 billion in business grants to youths and farmers and trained thousands through its skills programmes.
Appeal to voters
Willie urged voters to consider the continuation of projects when making their choices in the 2027 election.
“Election is coming. There are so many things going on, opportunities,” he said.
His message was explicit.
“My message would be as the election is coming, they should further their conscience. And if anybody has conscience, he will know that Umayno, pastor, his excellency, governor Umayno, should be the right candidate that should be returned back to office to complete what he has started.”
The governor has himself called for issue-based politics ahead of the election, urging political actors to focus on policies and development rather than personal attacks.
Willie, however, went beyond supporting a second term and said other candidates should wait until 2031.
“Any other person should wait till 2031. Then we will consider him,” he said.
He also said he would campaign for Eno within his community.
“At least my village, my village will divide to the governor.”
What the endorsement means
Willie’s endorsement adds another voice to the growing political activity around Eno’s second-term bid.
It also reflects a broader argument emerging around the 2027 contest: whether the governor’s ongoing projects and policies should be continued or whether voters should consider an alternative programme.
Eno is already the APC’s candidate, while the wider political contest will depend on the candidates and platforms presented by other parties as the election approaches.
For voters, the key issue will ultimately be whether claims about projects, employment, youth development, infrastructure and digital transformation are supported by measurable results.
Willie’s support for Eno is his political position. It does not, on its own, establish the effectiveness of the governor’s policies or determine how voters will assess the administration.
The 2027 campaign will provide a wider opportunity for Eno and his challengers to present their records, programmes and plans to Akwa Ibom voters.
