As political activities pick up ahead of the 2027 general elections, residents of Akwa Ibom State are urging candidates to focus on issue that affect ordinary Nigerians.

Presidential and National Assembly campaigns began on Wednesday, following the schedule released by INEC. The elections will hold on January 16, 2027.

In a chat with Uyo Infomedia, Daniel Francis and Comrade Udofia Ekpeyo said the priority should be on economy, jobs, security, and basic services, not personal attacks.

They also appealed for peaceful campaigns, and cautioned parties against hate speech and misinformation.

The residents called on voters to examine the records and plans of candidates before casting their votes, noting that credible elections depend on informed choices.

INEC had earlier announced that campaigns for presidential and National Assembly seats will run from August 2026 to January 2027.

Community leaders in Uyo and other parts of Akwa Ibom said town halls and debates should be organized so candidates can present concrete plans instead of rallies alone. They noted that issues like youth unemployment, road infrastructure, power supply, and healthcare in rural areas need specific timelines and budgets from aspirants. Several groups also pledged to set up voter education drives to help residents understand ballot procedures and their rights on election day.

Civil society organizations in the state welcomed INEC’s timetable and urged the commission to ensure early distribution of materials and adequate security at polling units. They stressed that transparency in voter registration, PVC collection, and results collation will build public trust. Some groups said they will deploy observers across the 31 local government areas to monitor campaign conduct and report violations.

Political analysts added that with campaigns now underway, parties face pressure to move beyond slogans and address rising cost of living. They said voters in Akwa Ibom, like elsewhere in Nigeria, are watching closely for candidates who can link federal policies to local problems such as flooding, agriculture, and small business support. As activities intensify, residents say the next few months will test how seriously parties take issue-based politics ahead of the January 16, 2027 polls.