By Uko Etim

UYO—The African Democratic Congress, ADC, governorship aspirant for Akwa Ibom State, Barr. Mfon Peter has vowed to reposition the state as a preferred destination for local and foreign investors if elected in 2027.

The aspirant said the current business environment in the state was not fully leveraging its comparative advantages in human capital, and natural resources, and pledged to address bottlenecks hindering private sector growth.

Speaking during a press conference on Friday evening in Uyo, Peter stated that his administration would prioritize ease of doing business, infrastructure development, and policy consistency to restore investor confidence.

“I want to reposition Akwa Ibom as investors’ haven. We have the coastline, the seaport, and a young, skilled population. What is missing is the right policy environment and the political will to make it work”.

He outlined plans to streamline land acquisition processes, reduce bureaucratic delays, and establish a one-stop investment agency to fast-track approvals and incentives for investors.

The aspirant also promised to strengthen public-private partnerships, improve security around industrial corridors, and ensure transparency in government contracts to eliminate disincentives for investors.

He dismissed allegations of being sponsored by the opposition party and insisted that his aspiration is driven by a genuine intensions to turn around the fortunes of the state.

“We want to render people-oriented governance that will directly address hunger, unemployment, hardship and other socio-economic challenges facing our people. Despite not occupying the office of governor before now, I have achieved personal success, and my ambition is driven by the desire to serve and improve the living conditions of Akwa Ibom people,” he said.