By Abasi ItaÂ
The Managing Director of the South South Development Commission, Ms Usoro Akpabio, at the weekend joined the President of the Senate, Chief Godswill Akpabio, at his official residence in Abuja as the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative was formally adopted ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The event also featured the decoration of the Senate President as Grand Patron of the Initiative, which has been adopted in Akwa Ibom State as a unifying political platform to support the re election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno and Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The visit by the leadership of the Initiative underscored the growing consolidation of political forces in Akwa Ibom State under the All Progressives Congress. During the engagement, the Senate President formally adopted the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative as the recognised statewide political structure to drive unity, mobilisation and electoral success for the APC in 2027.
In his remarks, Senator Akpabio expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in leaders from Akwa Ibom State, particularly the appointment of Ms Usoro Akpabio as a member of the 2026 APC National Convention Coordinating Committee. He said the appointment reflects the strategic importance of Akwa Ibom State and the South South region within the party’s national framework.
The Senate President noted that Ms Akpabio would work closely with Governor Umo Eno and the APC national leadership in the execution of her assignment, including coordination and correspondence responsibilities arising from the Convention Committee. He stressed that her role is collaborative and aimed at strengthening synergy between Akwa Ibom State and the party’s national structures.
Expressing confidence in the Initiative, Senator Akpabio said Akwa Ibom State is well positioned to deliver strong electoral outcomes for the APC in 2027. He commended Governor Umo Eno for his unifying leadership and inclusive approach, describing his role in fostering political harmony as vital to the state’s development and the party’s success.
Governor Umo Eno, in his address, described the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative as a symbol of unity and collective resolve among APC stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State. He said the platform reflects a shared commitment to collaboration, discipline and coordinated action in pursuit of electoral victory.
The governor also acknowledged the leadership and grassroots influence of Senator Godswill Akpabio, noting that the Initiative builds on a foundation of broad based political engagement across the state.
Earlier, the President General of the Initiative, Uwem Okoko, said the visit was to formally present the Initiative to the Senate President following earlier engagements with Governor Umo Eno. He explained that the group aims to mobilise support and ensure decisive APC victories in the 2027 elections.
Okoko affirmed that Akwa Ibom State remains committed to the APC and its leadership, expressing confidence that under the guidance of the Senate President, the governor and with the strategic support of Ms Usoro Akpabio, the state will contribute meaningfully to the party’s national success.