INTERVIEW
Introduction
Dr Prince Ikim is the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a pro government mobilisation group established to articulate, defend, and advance the policy direction of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the grassroots level.
Following the formal release of the list of Local Government Area Coordinators across Akwa Ibom State, the group has taken a decisive step towards structured political engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In this interview with the Media Directorate of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Dr Ikim speaks extensively on strategy, voter mobilisation, political messaging, and the role of grassroots organisation in securing electoral success.
Media Directorate
Dr Ikim, you have just released the list of Local Government Area Coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors. Why is this development significant at this point in time.
Dr Prince Ikim
It is significant because elections are not won by rhetoric alone, they are won by structure, planning, and consistent engagement with the people. By unveiling our Local Government Area Coordinators, we are formally transitioning from conceptual mobilisation to operational mobilisation. This means that our presence is now defined, measurable, and accountable in every local government. It signals readiness and seriousness ahead of 2027.
Media Directorate
What informed the decision to prioritise grassroots coordination so early, when many groups are yet to fully activate.
Dr Prince Ikim
We have learned from history. Waiting until election season to engage voters is a strategic error. Our approach is anchored on sustained political education and relationship building. Grassroots voters respond better when engagement is continuous, sincere, and issue driven. Early coordination allows us to listen, not just speak, and to align national policies with local realities.
Media Directorate
In practical terms, how do these Local Government Area Coordinators fit into your broader mobilisation architecture.
Dr Prince Ikim
They are the backbone of our structure. Each coordinator serves as the primary link between the state leadership and ward level mobilisation teams. Their responsibilities include voter sensitisation, feedback collection, policy communication, and collaboration with community influencers. This ensures that our message does not remain abstract but is contextualised to the everyday experiences of Akwa Ibom people.
Media Directorate
You have previously spoken about moving beyond personality politics. How does this philosophy reflect in your mobilisation strategy for President Tinubu.
Dr Prince Ikim
We are deliberate about issue based engagement. The Renewed Hope Ambassadors are focused on explaining policies, reforms, and long term national direction. Nigerians may disagree on methods, but they understand sincerity and courage in leadership. Our task is to help voters appreciate the economic reforms, infrastructure investments, and governance restructuring taking place, and how these decisions position Nigeria for stability and growth.
Media Directorate
Critics often argue that economic reforms have imposed hardship. How do you address this concern at the grassroots level.
Dr Prince Ikim
We do not dismiss the hardship. That would be dishonest. However, leadership sometimes requires difficult decisions to correct systemic distortions. At the grassroots, we explain the why behind the policies. We emphasise that short term discomfort is not the end goal, but a pathway to long term economic stability. People appreciate honesty when it is communicated respectfully and consistently.
Media Directorate
What distinguishes the Renewed Hope Ambassadors from other political support groups.
Dr Prince Ikim
Discipline, clarity of purpose, and structure. We are not a reactionary group. We are a policy engagement platform with political objectives. Our members are trained to communicate, not provoke, to persuade, not coerce. We understand that political legitimacy is earned through trust, not noise.
Media Directorate
How confident are you that Akwa Ibom voters can be effectively galvanised ahead of 2027.
Dr Prince Ikim
I am confident because Akwa Ibom people are politically sophisticated. They respond to organisation, respect, and sincerity. With our structures now in place across all local governments, we are positioned to engage voters meaningfully. Our confidence is not based on assumptions but on preparation.
Media Directorate
Finally, what message would you like to send to supporters of President Tinubu in Akwa Ibom State.
Dr Prince Ikim
This is the time to organise, not to argue ensuring that every supporter understands the vision, the policies, and the stakes. Renewed Hope is not a slogan, it is a responsibility. Together, through disciplined mobilisation and constructive engagement, we will deliver Akwa Ibom for His Excellencies, President Tinubu, Gov Umo Eno, PhD and Senator Godswill Akpabio in 2027.
End of Interview
