Akwa Ibom LP governorship candidate visits ex-Gov Attah at brother’s burial

The 2027 Akwa Ibom Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Michael Bush, has paid a condolence visit to former Governor Victor Attah at the burial of his late brother, Etim Attah.

Mr Bush visited the former governor at his country home in Ikot Akpa Ndua, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, where the former governor’s younger brother was laid to rest.

A journalist in Akwa Ibom, Samuel Abasiekong-Abasiekong, published photographs of the visit on Facebook on Saturday, showing Mr Bush shaking hands with Mr Attah at the funeral.

In the photograph, Mr Attah’s son-in-law and former commissioner for works in Akwa Ibom, Udoma Ekarika, is seen smiling as Messrs Attah and Bush shook hands.

Mr Bush was accompanied by his running mate, Salome Ignatius Matthew, and some supporters.

Attah remains influential in Akwa Ibom politics

Mr Attah served as governor of the oil-rich state from 1999 to 2006 and is widely referred to as the “father of modern Akwa Ibom” by the people of the state.

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.

In January 2022, former Governor Udom Emmanuel unveiled the incumbent, Umo Eno, then-commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, as his preferred successor to a select group of stakeholders in the state, including Mr Attah, who later presented Mr Eno to PDP stakeholders.

Mr Bush’s visit to Mr Attah comes as political parties and candidates position themselves ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

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.

“Of course, Obong Attah is a constant in the governorship politics of our state just as in the presidential politics of our country. Every serious candidate must go to see him at some point to draw from his very deep well of experience, expertise and exposure!”

Mr Bush, however, did not say that Mr Attah had endorsed his governorship bid.

Bush speaks on Akwa Ibom’s 39th anniversary

The visit also comes days after Mr Bush 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 also said if elected governor his administration would spread prosperity and happiness across the state.

“When you make me the governor, I promise to break the state free from godfatherism,” Mr Bush said in Ibibio Language in a video message posted on Facebook.

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 Emmanuel.