Senate President Godswill Akpabio has officially endorsed the ‘ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative’ as his political structure and machinery for the 2027 general elections in Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking in Abuja over the weekend during a visit by the leadership of the initiative, Akpabio described the engagement as historic, noting it was the first of its kind and a defining moment for political unity in the state. He said the emergence of the initiative signals stability, readiness, and victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 polls.
“With this group, Akwa Ibom State is safe and ready for the elections. President Bola Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno and I will work with this group to achieve its set targets,” he stated. Akpabio expressed confidence that Akwa Ibom would record unprecedented electoral outcomes for the APC, adding, “With this group, Akwa Ibom will be the first state in Nigeria to return President Bola Tinubu with massive votes. Akwa Ibom will re-elect Governor Umo Eno and the state will overwhelmingly re-elect me. What Governor Eno has done in bringing us together is divine, ordained and guarantees a brighter future for Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.”
Governor Umo Eno described the initiative as the foremost political structure in the state, reflecting the unity and collective strength of Akwa Ibom people under the APC. He noted that the group consolidates political forces in the state, with its foundation laid by Senator Akpabio, whom he reaffirmed as a leader with a strong and enduring home base. He added that the group includes every major political titan in Akwa Ibom, united by a common purpose.
The President General of the initiative, Uwem Okoko, said the visit formally presented the group to the Senate President following its earlier presentation to Governor Eno. He stated, “Our mission is victory for the APC in 2027. Akwa Ibom State is firmly and overwhelmingly APC, marching towards successful re-election victories for President Bola Tinubu, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno.” Okoko also praised President Tinubu for ongoing national reforms and pledged that Akwa Ibom would deliver bloc votes, the highest in Nigeria, during the elections, reaffirming support for Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda and second-term ambition.
Sir Victor Antai, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the group, said the gathering marked a historic moment, uniting political leaders to chart a united course for the re-election of President Tinubu, Senator Akpabio, and Governor Eno. He described the initiative as a coalition of leaders with deep grassroots capacity, positioned to drive massive mobilisation for the APC across all levels.
The event culminated with the presentation of the official regalia of the initiative to Akpabio by Okoko and Antai, formally recognising him as the grand patron of the group.
