The 2027 Akwa Ibom Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Michael Bush, recently paid a condolence visit to former Governor Victor Attah at the burial of his late brother, Etim Attah. The visit took place at Mr. Attah's country home in Ikot Akpa Ndua, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area. Mr. Bush was accompanied by his running mate, Salome Ignatius Matthew, and some supporters. The visit was seen as a significant move as political parties and candidates position themselves ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Mr. Attah served as governor of the oil-rich state from 1999 to 2006 and is widely regarded as the "father of modern Akwa Ibom." Several major infrastructure projects initiated during his administration remain associated with his tenure, including the development of Akwa Ibom State University and what is now Victor Attah International Airport, named after him. Although Mr. Attah has retired from partisan politics, he remains a figure sought out by politicians in the state.
A journalist in Akwa Ibom, Samuel Abasiekong-Abasiekong, published a photograph of the visit, showing Mr. Attah's son-in-law and former commissioner for works in Akwa Ibom, Udoma Ekarika, smiling as Messrs Attah and Bush shook hands. The image reflects the cordial relationship between the two politicians. Mr. Bush's visit to Mr. Attah comes as a significant endorsement of the former governor's continued influence in Akwa Ibom politics.
When asked whether Mr. Attah offered him any political advice regarding his governorship ambition, Mr. Bush said the former governor remained an important source of experience for politicians. He emphasized that every serious candidate must seek Mr. Attah's counsel at some point to draw from his deep well of experience, expertise, and exposure. However, Mr. Bush did not confirm that Mr. Attah had endorsed his governorship bid.
Mr. Bush's visit also comes days after he used Akwa Ibom's 39th anniversary to call for a review of the state's development since its creation. In a message marking the anniversary, Mr. Bush called for a general stock-taking to determine how residents, particularly ordinary people, have fared since the state was created. He emphasized the need for a new approach to governance.
Mr. Bush emerged as the LP's governorship candidate after winning the party's primary election in May 2026. He previously belonged to the PDP and served as an aide to former Governor Udom Emmanuel. His emergence as the LP candidate has added a new dimension to the 2027 governorship election in Akwa Ibom.
Mr. Bush has promised to break the state free from godfatherism if elected governor. In a video message posted on Facebook, he made the promise in the Ibibio language. His campaign promises to spread prosperity and happiness across the state, reflecting a commitment to improving the lives of Akwa Ibom residents.
Key points
- Michael Bush visits Victor Attah at his brother's burial.
- Bush seeks Attah's counsel for his governorship ambition.
- Bush calls for a review of Akwa Ibom's development on its 39th anniversary.
