2027: Political Torrent in Lagos as Akwa Ibom Indigenes Unleash Historic Pledge – ‘We Will Mobilise Millions For Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno’

Mary Nnah

In a political spectacle that shook the Centre of Excellence to its core, Akwa Ibom State indigenes resident in Lagos on Saturday issued a thunderous, unanimous battle cry ahead of 2027: massive, uncompromising mobilisation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.

The earth-shaking declaration came alive at the glamorous, power-packed inauguration of the Lagos Chapter of the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative, held inside the iconic, packed-to-capacity D’Podium International Hall.

From the opening prayers to the final ovation, the atmosphere was electric – a fusion of culture, conviction, and raw political firepower that left no one in doubt: a new political order is rising.

The defining moment came when Hon. Otobong Bob, Majority Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, rose and moved a historic motion – bold, direct, and unapologetic. With the hall holding its breath, Hon. Aniekan Uko seconded it. What followed was instant political history: a deafening, unanimous, foot-stomping approval that reverberated through the hall like a war drum.

With that single act, the Akwa Ibom community in Lagos formally adopted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno as their sole candidates for 2027.

But they didn’t stop there. They made a solemn, electrifying pledge: to return home in their thousands and deliver a landslide for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Political observers present described it as “the most emphatic grassroots endorsement of the 2027 cycle so far” — a living testament to the APC’s deepening roots and soaring popularity in Akwa Ibom State.

Presiding over the charged gathering were the Initiative’s national commanders: President-General, Engr. Uwem Okoko, and International Coordinator, Sir Udo Keiran Akpan, flanked by an array of party chieftains, community leaders, and executives whose presence turned the hall into a who’s who of Akwa Ibom political royalty in Lagos.

Taking the microphone amid chants of “Tinubu! Akpabio! Eno!”, Engr. Uwem Okoko delivered a rousing address that further ignited the crowd:

“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 specially.

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

His words were met with a standing ovation that lasted minutes, as attendees waved APC flags and placards bearing the faces of the three endorsed leaders.

Earlier in his welcome address, the host and Lagos State Coordinator of the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative, Otuekong Ubong Jackson Essien, could barely contain his elation at the sea of heads and the calibre of dignitaries. He attributed the staggering turnout to one force: the gospel of peace and unity championed relentlessly by Governor Umo Eno — a message that has become a unifying anthem for Akwa Ibomites at home and in the diaspora.

Otuekong Essien drew a line in the sand with a vow that sent another wave of cheers through the hall: “Akwa Ibom indigenes will mobilise all resources — human, financial, spiritual — to vote for APC candidates during the election. Lagos will speak, and Akwa Ibom will hear us in 2027.”

Lending global perspective, International Coordinator, Rt. Hon. Udo Keiran Akpan took the stage and declared Lagos “key in the political equation of Akwa Ibom.” He praised the Lagos organising team for “putting together an impressive event that meets global standards,” noting that the energy in the hall was proof that “the diaspora is ready to decide the direction of 2027.”

The inauguration was more than speeches. It was a full political investiture. Chapter Executives and Advisory Council members were solemnly sworn in, taking oaths to drive the triple mandate of Tinubu, Akpabio, and Eno into every street, market, and meeting hall where Akwa Ibomites gather in Lagos.

Solidarity messages flowed like a river from a roll call of influential voices who underscored the unity of purpose: 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 a stirring vote of thanks that closed the event on a note of brotherhood and resolve.

With the Lagos chapter now ignited, the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative has successfully planted its flag among Akwa Ibom sons and daughters across strategic locations outside the state — with active chapters now buzzing in Cross River State, Rivers State, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and 19 Northern States.

And the momentum is not slowing. The political train moves next to Nsit Ubium Local Government Area for the final chapter inauguration on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, before culminating in what organisers promise will be a grand finale of epic proportions on April 18, 2026 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo — an event already billed as “the mother of all rallies.”

The verdict from Lagos is clear, loud, and irreversible: For 2027, Akwa Ibom indigenes have drawn a straight line – Tinubu for President, Akpabio for Senate, Eno for Governor. The mobilisation has begun.