Akwa Ibom Labour Party governorship candidate, wife welcome new baby girl

Labour Party governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State, Michael Bush, and his wife, Jaunty, have welcomed a new baby girl.

Ms Bush announced the baby’s arrival on Wednesday, the day Akwa Ibom State marked its 39th anniversary.

In a Facebook post, Ms Bush wrote, in capital letters, “ABASIODIONG AKWAABASI IBOM STATE,” an Ibibio expression meaning “God bless Akwa Ibom State.”

She accompanied the announcement with photographs of herself dressed in a white flowing garment and smiling while displaying her baby bump. The photograph was apparently taken before her delivery.

The post attracted congratulatory messages from Facebook users, including her husband.

Responding to the announcement, Mr Bush wrote: “A fantastic opportunity to say thank you for being deliberate and patient and loving enough not only to grow The BUSH Clan but also to groom us. Blessings on all sides.”

He ended the message with “Nnwan Mmi!” – An Ibibio expression meaning “My wife.”

Mr Bush also shared his wife’s post on his Facebook page with the caption, “She did it! …B.”

The Labour Party candidate disclosed in another Facebook post that the baby is their third daughter.

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Who is Michael Bush?

Mr Bush is a broadcaster and media entrepreneur who has worked in the industry for over three decades. He is the managing director and chief executive officer of Bush House Nigeria, a media production outfit.

He emerged as the Labour Party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Akwa Ibom State after winning the party’s governorship primary in May 2026.

Mr Bush was previously a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and served as an aide to former Governor Udom Emmanuel.

He was also previously regarded as a political ally of Governor Umo Eno before their relationship deteriorated following Mr Eno’s defection from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress.

In November 2025, Mr Bush publicly accused Mr Eno of deceiving Akwa Ibom people with the governor’s “Akwa Ibom United” message and demanded an apology. His criticism came amid political tensions following Mr Eno’s defection to the APC.

Mr Bush later left the PDP and joined the Labour Party, where he secured the party’s ticket for the 2027 governorship election.

In his 39th anniversary message to Akwa Ibom people, Mr Bush called for a general stock-taking to determine how residents, especially the ordinary people, have fared in the 39 years since state creation. He vowed that his administration would spread prosperity and happiness when elected governor.

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