SSDC Boss, Senate President Spearhead Adoption of ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative for 2027
By Ekanem Asuquo
The Managing Director of the South South Development Commission, Ms Usoro Akpabio, has joined the President of the Senate, Chief Godswill Akpabio, in formally adopting the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The adoption took place at the Senate President’s official residence in Abuja over the weekend and included his decoration as the Grand Patron of the Initiative. The platform has been adopted in Akwa Ibom State as a unifying political structure 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 highlighted the increasing alignment of political stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State under the All Progressives Congress. During the engagement, Senator Akpabio formally endorsed the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative as the recognised statewide platform to drive unity, mobilisation and electoral success for the APC in the 2027 elections.
In his remarks, the Senate President expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in leaders from Akwa Ibom State, particularly the appointment of Ms Usoro Akpabio to the 2026 APC National Convention Coordinating Committee. He said the appointment underscores the strategic relevance of Akwa Ibom State and the South South region within the party’s national structure.
Senator Akpabio explained that Ms Akpabio would work closely with Governor Umo Eno and the APC national leadership in carrying out her responsibilities, including coordination and correspondence duties linked to the Convention Committee. He described her role as complementary and collaborative, aimed at strengthening ties between Akwa Ibom State and the party’s national leadership.
The Senate President expressed confidence that the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative would position Akwa Ibom State to deliver strong electoral results for the APC in 2027. He commended Governor Umo Eno for his unifying leadership and inclusive governance style, noting that his approach has helped foster political harmony and stability in the state.
Governor Umo Eno, in his address, described the Initiative as a symbol of unity and shared purpose among APC stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State. He said the platform represents a collective commitment to collaboration, discipline and coordinated action aimed at achieving electoral victory.
The governor also acknowledged the leadership and grassroots appeal of Senator Godswill Akpabio, stating that the Initiative builds on a foundation of broad based political participation 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 consultations with Governor Umo Eno. He explained that the group’s objective is to mobilise support and secure decisive APC victories in the 2027 general elections.
Okoko reaffirmed Akwa Ibom State’s commitment 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 would play a significant role in the party’s national success.
