RismadarVoice Reporters, April 13, 2026
Akwa Ibom indigenes residing in Lagos State have reaffirmed their commitment to transferring their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to Akwa Ibom ahead of the 2027 general elections, as part of efforts to boost electoral participation in their home state.
The group also called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to provide adequate transportation, particularly buses, to convey voters from Lagos to the state during the elections.
The resolutions were reached during the inauguration of the Lagos Chapter of the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative (AWRHI), held on Sunday at the D’Podium International Event Centre in Lagos.
Setting the tone for the event, the International Coordinator of the initiative, Sir Udo Kierian Akpan, stressed the importance of data-driven political participation. He urged supporters to validate their voter status and transfer their polling units to their respective communities where their votes would have greater impact.
The President General of AWRHI, Engr. Uwem Okoko, described Governor Umo Eno as a unifying figure and a consensus leader, noting that his policies have continued to attract broad-based support across party lines. He also highlighted the establishment of ward-level cooperatives, encouraging Akwa Ibom women in Lagos to register in their local wards to benefit from the initiative.
A motion endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno as preferred candidates for the 2027 elections was moved by Hon. Otobong Bob, representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency, and seconded by former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko.
In separate remarks, Lagos Chapter Coordinator, Otuekong Ubong Jackson, and Chairman of the Advisory Council, Dr. Edet Ambang, pledged to mobilize massive grassroots support for the endorsed candidates.
Chairman of the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, Mr. Isantim Churchill Udoh, commended Governor Eno’s people-oriented policies, stating that unity among supporters would guarantee electoral success. He emphasized the group’s readiness to deliver results, urging the government to provide transportation support.
Similarly, leaders of various Akwa Ibom socio-cultural groups in Lagos expressed strong backing for the initiative. Chairman of Ati-Annang Lagos Chapter, Saviour Umoren, affirmed readiness to mobilize voters, while Chairman of Oro Union, Lagos Chapter, Ulap Nkereuwen Joshua, assured that the Oro people remain firmly behind the Governor.
The Chairman of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Lagos Chapter, Akparawa Uwem Idara, reiterated the group’s commitment to large-scale mobilization, stressing that transportation logistics would be key to turnout.
Also speaking, Engr. Albert Inyang, CEO of Ventola Machines Ltd., described Governor Eno’s leadership as exceptional, noting that the Akwa Ibom community in Lagos stands prepared to deliver full electoral support.
The event also featured the inauguration of a 53-member Lagos State Executive Committee of AWRHI, led by Otuekong Ubong Jackson as Chapter Coordinator, Mr. Solomon Otu as Deputy Coordinator, and Obong Kingsley Mbre as Secretary.
Additionally, a 27-member Advisory Council was unveiled, with Obong Dr. Edet Ambang as Chairman and Akp. (Dr.) Ubon Nsuabia as Secretary.
