LP Governorship Candidate Michael Bush Visits Ex-Governor Attah at Burial

Michael Bush, the Labour Party (LP) candidate for the 2027 Akwa Ibom governorship election, visited former Governor Victor Attah to pay his respects at the burial of Attah's late brother, Etim Attah.

Bush went to Attah's home in Ikot Akpa Ndua, in the Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, where the burial took place.

Samuel Abasiekong-Abasiekong, a journalist from Akwa Ibom, shared pictures of the visit on Facebook on Saturday. The images show Bush shaking hands with Attah during the funeral.

In one of the pictures, Attah’s son-in-law, Udoma Ekarika, who is a former commissioner for works in Akwa Ibom, can be seen smiling as Bush and Attah greeted each other.

Bush brought along his running mate, Salome Ignatius Matthew, and a few supporters. Attah was governor of Akwa Ibom from 1999 to 2006. Many people in the state call him the “father of modern Akwa Ibom.”

His time in office saw the launch of major projects like Akwa Ibom State University and the Victor Attah International Airport, which is named in his honor.

Even though Attah is no longer active in party politics, many politicians still seek his advice. In January 2022, former Governor Udom Emmanuel introduced Umo Eno, his preferred successor and then-commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, to key stakeholders, including Attah.

Bush's visit to Attah comes as political parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 governorship election. When asked if Attah gave him any political advice for his plans, Bush said the former governor is a valuable 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!” Bush said.

However, Bush did not mention if Attah endorsed his governorship plans. This visit follows Bush's remarks on Akwa Ibom’s 39th anniversary, where he called for a review of the state’s growth since its formation.

In his anniversary message, Bush said there should be an assessment to see how residents, especially ordinary people, have been doing since Akwa Ibom was created.

He added that if he becomes governor, his government will work to spread prosperity and happiness across the state.

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

Bush became the LP's governorship candidate after winning the party's primary election in May 2026. He was previously with the PDP and worked as an aide to former Governor Emmanuel.