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Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has emphasised that sustained peace, unity, and collective political engagement remain critical to the continued development of the state, expressing confidence that the 2027 general elections will favour President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, himself, and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress.]
The governor spoke on Monday at the Government House in Uyo while receiving members of the ARISE with Renewed Hope Initiative, a socio political movement aligned with the APC. He described the group as a platform capable of strengthening unity across political and social divides in support of development driven governance.
Governor Eno commended the diversity and composition of the initiative, noting that its emergence reflects a growing consensus around cooperation and shared purpose in Akwa Ibom State. He said the movement represented a unifying force that would contribute to a smooth and coordinated electoral process.
According to the governor, political engagement ahead of the general elections must be guided by inclusiveness and harmony. He urged political stakeholders to ensure alignment with party structures while maintaining peace as campaigns approach. He also encouraged eligible voters to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission, stressing the importance of broad participation in the democratic process.
Earlier, President General of the ARISE with Renewed Hope Initiative, Engineer Uwem Okoko, said the group was formed by individuals committed to mobilising widespread support for the return of President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, Governor Eno, and other APC candidates in 2027.
Okoko stated that the Tinubu administration had strengthened Akwa Ibom’s engagement at the federal level, citing the emergence of Senator Godswill Akpabio as Senate President as a significant milestone for the state. He said Akpabio’s leadership at the National Assembly had enhanced national cohesion while advancing the interests of Akwa Ibom.
He affirmed that the group stood firmly behind President Tinubu’s second term ambition, supported Senator Akpabio’s return to the Senate and continuation as Senate President, and endorsed Governor Eno’s leadership beyond 2027. He added that the APC was positioned to secure all elective seats in the state, including the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and the Senate.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the initiative, Sir Victor Antai, described the growing collaboration between Governor Eno and Senate President Akpabio as a defining factor in reshaping the political and developmental outlook of the state. He said the calibre of personalities within the movement signalled a renewed political direction and pledged full support for all APC candidates in the 2027 elections.
State Chairman of the APC, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, assured members of the ARISE with Renewed Hope Initiative that the party recognised their efforts and would integrate the group into its campaign framework when electioneering officially begins. He praised the formation of the initiative as timely and aligned with the party’s broader objectives.
He added that the APC would work closely with the group to ensure coordinated mobilisation and widespread electoral success across the state.
The initiative’s leadership includes Rt Hon Udo Kierian as International Coordinator, alongside members of the Board of Trustees such as Rt Hon Otobong Bob, Sir Monday Uko, Professor Eno Ibanga, Chief Saviour Enyiekere, and Prince Enobong Uwah, who serves as Secretary General.
Other officials include Mrs Eunice Thomas, Rt Hon Eric Akpan, Rt Hon Aniekan Uko, Rt Hon Uno Uno, and Hon Anthony Luke as senatorial district coordinators. Additional roles are held by Mkpisong Frank Archibong as Organising Secretary, Glory Edet as Woman Leader, and Aniekan Umanah as Director of Media, among others.
The group announced plans to pay a courtesy visit to the Senate President and commence a tour of local government areas ahead of its formal grand launch.
