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2027 Election: Tinubu Approves Ibom Seaport After Eno Promises 2m Votes
President Bola Tinubu has approved the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project in Akwa Ibom State following a request by Governor Umo Eno, who pledged two million votes for the President’s re-election in 2027.
Tinubu announced the approval on Friday during a reception and rally organised in his honour at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, where he responded to the governor’s appeal for the Federal Government to deliver the maritime project.
The President, who was in the state to inaugurate projects executed by the Eno administration, said development must promote inclusive growth, create economic opportunities and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
Responding to Eno’s request, Tinubu acknowledged the governor’s appeal on behalf of the people and leadership of Akwa Ibom.
“I heard from my friend, my governor, my pastor, on behalf of the people and leadership of Akwa Ibom, request for Ibom’s deep-sea port,” he said.
After repeating the request, the President asked the crowd, “Will you vote?”
He subsequently declared, “Okay, it’s approved.”
The announcement followed Eno’s pledge that Akwa Ibom would deliver two million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election if the Federal Government approved and delivered the seaport project.
“Give us Ibom Deep Seaport, we will deliver two million votes. This deep seaport is capable of unlocking the economy of the state, the South-South region and Nigeria at large,” the governor said.
Eno described the project as the most significant economic demand of the people, stressing that it would transform Akwa Ibom’s maritime, industrial and employment sectors.
According to him, the facility would create thousands of jobs, attract international investments and position the state as a major destination for maritime commerce.
The governor also reminded Tinubu of his promise to establish the seaport during his 2023 presidential campaign rally at the same stadium.
At the time, Tinubu had cited the Lekki Deep Seaport, developed during his tenure as Lagos State governor, as an example of the kind of maritime infrastructure he intended to deliver in Akwa Ibom.
Eno recalled that the project, initially conceived during the administration of former Governor Victor Attah as the Ibaka Deep Seaport and Industrial City, had remained unrealised for decades despite featuring in successive political campaigns.
He said the proposed facility would serve as a major transhipment hub, opening Akwa Ibom to international trade while stimulating economic activities across the South-South region and the country.
The governor further explained that the state’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress was part of efforts to strengthen its relationship with the Federal Government and attract more development.
He reaffirmed Akwa Ibom’s support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition, expressing optimism that the approval of the deep seaport would mark a major milestone in the state’s economic development.
