It was a gathering of Akwa Ibom political heavyweights and the faithful of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area on Tuesday as the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative formally inaugurated its chapter in the area.
The event, which was held at the council headquarters, witnessed the official installation of chapter executives in the presence of party stakeholders.
President General of the initiative, Engr. Uwem Okoko, performed the inauguration. Addressing the gathering, he outlined the group’s vision of expanding the party’s reach through inclusive engagement, urging the new executives to take ownership of the party’s message at the community level. He highlighted that the group’s core objective is to midwife the 2027 political ambitions of President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno.
Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the initiative, Rt. Hon. Udo Kierian, reiterated the group’s commitment to grassroots mobilization and party unity. He charged the new executives to work diligently in consolidating the party’s presence in Etim Ekpo, assuring them of the full support of the initiative’s leadership at all levels.
The host Chairman of Etim Ekpo LGA, Hon. Gideon Uwah, welcomed stakeholders and reaffirmed his administration’s support for initiatives that strengthen party cohesion. He described the inauguration as a timely boost for political participation in the area.
“APC and the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative do not need to campaign in Etim Ekpo. Etim Ekpo has seen the right path, and we are following it without hesitation. We thank the leadership of the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative for recognizing our support and loyalty.”
A prominent figure, DIG Udom Ekpoudom (Rtd.), a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, charged party faithful to remain united and focused on the drive to “deliver the APC across all levels in 2027.”
A former legal adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN, preached the message of unity and love, assuring the APC and its faithful of progress.
“We are one big family in Etim Ekpo; we will work together without rancor to ensure success,” he added.
Representing the women’s interest was the APC Woman Leader for Akwa Ibom State, Obongawan Obonodoh Uko, who led other women leaders at the event. She praised the initiative for prioritizing women’s involvement and assured that the female electorate would be a driving force for the party’s fortunes.
The high point of the event was the inauguration of the Local Government Chapter of the initiative, led by Imaeyen Adolphus, and the Chapter Advisory Council, led by Hon. Gideon Uwah.
Goodwill messages were offered in good number.
The tour later proceeded to Abak LGA.
