Ahead of the 2027 elections, Akwa Ibom State indigenes in Lagos have promised to mobilise massively for President Bola Ahmed Tunubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.

This declaration was made at the inauguration of the Lagos Chapter of the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative held in Lagos.

At the event attended by the President- General of the Initiative, Engr Uwem Okoko, International Coordinator, Sir Udo Keiran Akpan, and other executives, a motion which was moved by Hon. Otobong Bob, Majority Leader, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, and seconded by Hon. Aniekan Uko got an overwhelming approval from all those present in the packed-to-capacity D’Podium International Hall.

The adoption of President Bola Tinubu, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno by the Akwa Ibom community as sole candidates, alongside the pledge to return home to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), is emphatic and further demonstrates the party’s growing popularity in the state.

In his speech, the President-General of the Initiative, Engr. Uwem Okoko stated thus: “We are extremely grateful to the Akwa Ibom Community in Lagos State for the wonderful reception accorded the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative during the inauguration of the chapter and advisory committees.

“People have always said that Lagos is the Centre of Excellence; it has been proven today. You all have done well. On behalf of the Grand Patron of this Initiative, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and our leader, Governor Umo Eno, we greet you.

“The decision to endorse President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno is noble and is well-received.

In his welcome address, Lagos State Coordinator of the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative, Otuekong Ubong Jackson Essien, expressed elation at the impressive turnout and attributed the success to the gospel of peace and unity championed by Governor Umo Eno.

He stated that Akwa Ibom indigenes would mobilise all resources to vote for APC candidates during the election.

In his remarks, the International Coordinator, Rt. Hon. Udo Keiran Akpan noted that Lagos is a key player in Akwa Ibom’s political equation and thanked the organising team for putting together an impressive event.

During the event, Chapter Executives and Advisory Council members were sworn in, and goodwill messages were delivered by Engr. Albert Inyang, CEO, Bertola Machine Tool, Dr Edet Ambang, President, Akwa Ibom Community, Lagos, Isantim Churchil Udo, Akparawa Uwem Idaha, Chairman, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Lagos, Otu Solomon Udom, representing Ati Annang Foundation, Lagos, Ulap.Nkereuwem Joshua, Chairman, Oron Union, Lagos, Engr. Elvis Osung, Engr. Elijah Essien, Elder Samuel Usoro, President Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District,  Evangelist Edidiong Inyang, Chief Elijah Ifot, Mr. Samuel Ekong, High Chief Macgeorge, Onyung, Michael Effiong James, Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Lagos Liaison, and Obong Kingsley Mbre, who also delivered the vote of thanks.

With the inauguration, the Initiative has successfully reached out to brothers and sisters residing outside Akwa Ibom State, covering designated cities across Cross River State, Rivers State, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and 19 Northern States.

The final chapter inauguration will hold on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, while the grand finale will hold on April 18, 2026, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.