…Reaffirms ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative as Umbrella Body for Campaigns
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, have been unanimously adopted by the Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja as their sole candidates for the 2027 general elections.
The adoption took place on Sunday during the community’s monthly general meeting held in Abuja, with Governor Umo Eno in attendance as Special Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Eno described the event as another significant platform for strengthening unity among Akwa Ibom people and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering democratic dividends across all sectors under the ARISE Agenda.
He assured the community that his government would continue to impact lives positively across the 31 Local Government Areas of the state, stressing that unity remains the strongest foundation for sustainable development.
Governor Eno further disclosed that the Akwa Ibom State Government has applied for land from the Federal Capital Territory Administration for the construction of an Akwa Estate to serve indigenes resident in Abuja. He also confirmed that following the acquisition of the Certificate of Occupancy, the conversion of the new Akwa Ibom House into a three-star hotel remains firmly on course.
The Governor urged members of the Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja to register with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), while also encouraging eligible members to complete e-registration into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Declaring the political direction ahead of 2027, Governor Eno announced that the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative remains the umbrella political support group for the forthcoming campaigns and called on community members to formally register with the Initiative.
Earlier, the President of the Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja, Mkpisọ̀ng Barr. Gabriel Fan, said the association had closely followed the developmental strides of the Umo Eno administration and expressed pride in the Governor’s leadership style, particularly the unity fostered across the state.
He appealed to the Governor for the provision of a bus to enhance the welfare and mobility of members, as well as support to address other pressing needs of the community.
Speaking on behalf of women, the Women Leader, Mrs. Maria Orok, commended Governor Eno for giving women frontline recognition and responsibilities in governance. She appealed for support for widows and vulnerable women within the community, assuring that Akwa Ibom women in Abuja would continue to stand solidly behind his administration.
Also speaking, a Trustee of the Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja, Dr. Tommey Okon, noted that Governor Umo Eno is the first sitting governor to personally attend the community’s general meeting, describing the gesture as unprecedented and deeply symbolic.
Dr. Okon, who also serves as the Abuja Coordinator of the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative, reaffirmed the community’s commitment to supporting the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno.
He subsequently moved a motion endorsing Governor Umo Eno for a second term, which was seconded by Barr. Aniefiok Iba, a former President of the community.
In recognition of his leadership and engagement with the diaspora community, Governor Umo Eno was formally decorated as the Grand Patron of the Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja.
The event was attended by the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Senators and Members of the House of Representatives, key political stakeholders, as well as a broad spectrum of community leaders and representatives.
Other dignitaries included the President General of the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative, Engr. Uwem Okoko, who led members of the Initiative’s international executive; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo; Director-General of Campaigns, Chief Assam Assam, SAN; members of the National and State Assemblies, among other prominent personalities.
The highlight of the event was the donation of an 18-seater bus by Governor Umo Eno to the Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja, drawing applause from members and guests alike.
Newsday Newspaper Abuja
