2027: Ibibio groups challenge ethnic zoning of Akwa Ibom gov’ship

By Jude Opara

Tension over the method of determining the next governor of Akwa Ibom State has intensified, with prominent Ibibio socio-cultural groups rejecting calls for the governorship to be shared among the state’s ethnic groups.

The groups argued that political power in the state should be considered primarily through the three senatorial districts rather than an ethnic arrangement involving the Ibibio, Annang and Oro groups.

The position was contained in separate statements issued by Ibibio National Union, Mboho Ikot Abasi and Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The National President of Ibibio National Union, Engr. Emmanuel Akpan, said on Tuesday in Uyo that the group had withdrawn its support for an arrangement that would automatically rotate the governorship among ethnic groups.

Akpan argued that Akwa Ibom’s political structure was based on three senatorial districts, namely Uyo, Ikot Ekpene and Eket and not a tripod of ethnic groups.

According to him, the Ibibio constitute a significant proportion of the population across the three senatorial districts and therefore cannot be excluded from determining who emerges as governor, irrespective of the candidate’s ethnic background.

He maintained that political candidates from minority groups would require broad support from the Ibibio majority to win the governorship.

Another Ibibio group, Mboho Ikot Abasi, led by Mkpisong Chelly Okoko, also warned against what it described as attempts to use minority status to pressure or blackmail the Ibibio majority over political issues.

Similarly, Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, the umbrella body of Ibibio people, acknowledged that the governorship has traditionally been rotated among senatorial districts but cautioned minority groups against interpreting such rotation as an automatic entitlement to the position.

The organisation, led by Obong Pius Okon, Ntisong IV and Mkpisong Tony Okpon, stressed that political support from the Ibibio community would remain crucial to the emergence of any candidate, regardless of ethnic identity.

Peoples Daily reports that the latest positions could further fuel debate over power rotation in Akwa Ibom ahead of the 2027 election, particularly as political actors from different parts of the state continue to stake claims to the governorship.

The Ibibio groups, however, maintained that the contest should not be reduced to an agreement among ethnic groups, insisting that political representation must take into account the state’s broader senatorial and electoral structure.