The people of Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have vowed to surpass the vote count of Nsit Ubium, the home local government of Governor Umo Eno, in the 2027 elections.
They made this declaration during the inauguration of the Ini Chapter of the Arise with Renewed Hope Initiative (AWRHI), a socio-political movement aimed at galvanizing support for the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno.
Speaking at the event, the President-General of the movement, Engr. Uwem Okoko, said the people of Ini had mandated him to convey their “electoral resolve” to the Governor.
He noted that the Governor’s developmental footprints in Ini Local Government Area including road construction, model primary schools, and a modern healthcare centre—have made the task of mobilizing electoral support seamless.
In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Ini LGA and Chapter Coordinator of AWRHI, Hon. Inibehe Umah, stated that the area has embraced peace and would maintain it throughout the election period.
“Ini was once known as a flashpoint for electoral violence. But in the next election, there will be nothing of that sort because we are now united. We will go to the polls peacefully to cast our votes,” Umah said.
The Chairman also demonstrated his commitment to the “Arise Agenda” by distributing a total of 120 million in empowerment grants to men, women, and youths across the local government, aimed at cushioning economic hardship and stimulating local growth.
Setting the tone, the Deputy Coordinator of the movement and former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko, emphasized that the state is enjoying a new era of peace.
“We have come with a message of peace. No Akwa Ibom son or daughter will fight one another again.
“We will mobilize substantial votes for the President, the Senate President, and the Governor,” Uko stated.
Similarly, the member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, assured that the prevailing unity in the constituency would prevent any division of votes.
On her part, the International Director of Women AWRHI, Dr. Glory Edet, declared that women in the area would remain steadfast, pledging their full support for the Tinubu-Akpabio-Eno alliance.
To drive the 2027 agenda, a 31-member Coordinating Committee was inaugurated, with Hon. Inibehe Umah as Coordinator, Mrs. Comfort Christopher as Deputy Coordinator, and Barr. James Ndem as Secretary.
A 39-member Advisory Council was also constituted, chaired by the Political Leader of Ini, Prof. Ini Udoka, who described the Governor’s developmental strides in Ini Local Government Area as unprecedented, expressing confidence that Ini would deliver overwhelming votes in the next election.
Other dignitaries present at the event included the member representing Ini State Constituency, Hon. Lawrence Udoide; Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Bassey; and Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth (Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency), Sir Charles Udofia. All reaffirmed their constituents’ commitment to the renewed political alliance.
