Umo Eno: How I was mocked for my albinism during governorship campaign

Umo Eno, governor of Akwa Ibom, says he faced ridicule and rejection for his albinism during the 2023 gubernatorial campaign. 

Albinism is an inherited genetic condition which results in a lack of melanin pigmentation in the skin, hair, and eyes.

The outcome is a very pale skin colouring which causes significant vision problems.

In a video shared on X, the governor narrated how his skin condition was deployed as a political tool against him on the campaign trail.

He also honoured children living with the condition.

“Albinos are a golden people, and they have a golden governor,” he said.

“When we started this campaign, some people who did not have what to say, they said they did not want an albino governor. Do you remember?

“Then my dear wife came out and said to them, you may be an albino, but to me, you are my golden boy.”

The governor added that people with albinism are often stigmatised and denied opportunities.

“They would not give us a chance in the past. They would body shame us. They would call us names. They would not let us come to the public,” he said.

“But today, God has brought us out. So anywhere I see one of any of them, I must recognise them.”

Eno also shared what it was like growing up with the condition.

“Growing up with albinism wasn’t easy; I faced bullying, body shaming, and rejection. But today, by God’s grace, I stand proudly,” he wrote.

“That’s why whenever I see anyone with this skin condition, I make it a point to honour and recognise them.”