TheSenate President, Godswill Akpabio, has formally endorsed the ‘ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative,’ as his political structure and machinery for the 2027 general elections in Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking in Abuja over the weekend during a visit by the leadership of the Initiative, Akpabio described the engagement as historic, noting that it was the first of its kind and a defining moment for political unity in Akwa Ibom State.

According to him, the emergence of the initiative signals stability, readiness and victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 polls.

“With this group, Akwa Ibom State is safe and ready for the elections. President Bola Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno and I, will work with this group to achieve its set targets,” he said.

He expressed confidence that Akwa Ibom would record unprecedented electoral outcomes for the APC, saying, “With this group, Akwa Ibom will be the first state in Nigeria to return President Bola Tinubu with massive votes. Akwa Ibom will re-elect Governor Umo Eno and the state will overwhelmingly re-elect me. What Governor Eno has done in bringing us together is divine, ordained and guarantees a brighter future for Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.

In his remarks, Governor Eno, described the initiative as the number one political structure in the state, reflecting the unity and collective strength of the Akwa Ibom people under the APC.

He noted that the group represents the consolidation of political forces in the state, adding that the foundation of the initiative was laid by Senator Akpabio, whom he reaffirmed as the leader with a strong and enduring home base.

He further stated that the group was composed of every major political titan in Akwa Ibom State, united by a common purpose.

Earlier, the President General of the group, Uwem Okoko, said the visit was to formally present the initiative to the Senate President, following its earlier presentation to Governor Eno. He declared that the mission of the group was clear and unwavering.

“Our mission is victory for the APC in 2027. Akwa Ibom State is firmly and overwhelmingly APC, marching towards successful re-election victories for President Bola Tinubu, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno.

He praised President Tinubu for the ongoing reforms across the country and pledged that Akwa Ibom State would deliver bloc votes, the highest in Nigeria, during the elections. He also reaffirmed total support for Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda and his second-term ambition.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the group, Sir Victor Antai, said history was being made with the gathering of political leaders to chart a united course for the re-election of President Tinubu, Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno.

He described the group as a coalition of leaders with deep grassroots capacity, positioned to drive massive mobilisation for the APC across all levels.

The high point of the visit was the presentation of the official regalia of the group to Akpabio by Okoko, and Dr Antai, who formally accepted his role as the grand patron of the group.