Akwa Ibom Indigenes in Lagos Commit to Massive Mobilization for Tinubu Ahead of 2027 Election
In a significant political development, indigenes of Akwa Ibom State residing in Lagos have pledged to mobilize extensively for President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and State Governor Pastor Umo Eno in the upcoming 2027 elections. This commitment was made during the inauguration of the Lagos Chapter of the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative, held at the D’Podium International Hall in Lagos on April 13, 2026.
Overwhelming Endorsement and Unanimous Approval
The event, attended by a packed audience, saw a motion moved by Hon. Otobong Bob, Majority Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, and seconded by Hon. Aniekan Uko, receiving overwhelming approval. This endorsement solidifies the Akwa Ibom community's support for Tinubu, Akpabio, and Eno as sole candidates, with a pledge to return home to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), highlighting the party's growing popularity in the state.
Key Speeches and Leadership Remarks
Engr. Uwem Okoko, President-General of the Initiative, expressed gratitude for the warm reception, stating, "We are extremely grateful to the Akwa Ibom Community in Lagos State for the wonderful reception accorded the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative." He praised Lagos as the "Centre of Excellence" and acknowledged the community's efforts on behalf of Senate President Akpabio and Governor Eno.
Otuekong Ubong Jackson Essien, Lagos State Coordinator of the Initiative, welcomed attendees and attributed the event's success to Governor Eno's message of peace and unity. He emphasized that Akwa Ibom indigenes would mobilize all resources to support APC candidates in the election.
Rt. Hon. Udo Keiran Akpan, International Coordinator, noted Lagos's crucial role in Akwa Ibom's political landscape and thanked the organizing team for the impressive event.
Event Highlights and Swearing-In Ceremony
During the inauguration, Chapter Executives and Advisory Council members were sworn in, and goodwill messages were delivered by notable figures, including:
- Engr. Albert Inyang, CEO of Bertola Machine Tool
- Dr. Edet Ambang, President of Akwa Ibom Community, Lagos
- Isantim Churchil Udo and Akparawa Uwem Idaha, representing various community groups
- Otu Solomon Udom, representing Ati Annang Foundation, Lagos
- Ulap Nkereuwem Joshua, Chairman of Oron Union, Lagos
- Other dignitaries such as Engr. Elvis Osung, Elder Samuel Usoro, and Evangelist Edidiong Inyang
Obong Kingsley Mbre delivered the vote of thanks, concluding the formal proceedings.
Expansion and Future Plans of the Initiative
The Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative has successfully extended its reach to Akwa Ibom indigenes outside the state, covering cities including Cross River State, Rivers State, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and 19 Northern States. The final chapter inauguration is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, with a grand finale set for April 18, 2026, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
This mobilization effort underscores the strategic importance of diaspora support in Nigerian politics and signals a concerted push by the APC to strengthen its foothold in Akwa Ibom ahead of the 2027 elections.
