Akwa Ibom Governor Launches Campaign, Aims for Two Million Votes for Tinubu

As the 2027 general elections approach, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has revealed his manifesto and development plan called ARISE 2.0. He aims to secure at least two million votes for President Bola Tinubu.

Eno presented the plan at the launch of the All Progressives Congress State Campaign Council on Friday in Uyo, the state capital.

He called the event a turning point in the state’s development. He said it brings renewed hope and a strong commitment to improve Akwa Ibom's future.

He mentioned that the campaign theme is “We Are Well Able,” taken from Numbers 13:30.

“We have the capacity to achieve greater development milestones and better the lot of our people. Our campaign will be anchored on the theme, ‘We Are Well Able,’ drawn from Numbers 13:30,” the governor said.

Eno explained that ARISE 2.0 aims to transform the state from relying on infrastructure to becoming a productive economic center focused on investment, tourism, agriculture, youth empowerment, and job creation.

He said that the successes from ARISE 1.0 in areas like roads, education, healthcare, agriculture, housing, rural development, and tourism will be the basis for this new plan.

On tourism, he stated that the state will use its natural beauty, cultural heritage, hospitality, and food traditions to turn into a leading spot for meetings, conferences, entertainment, holidays, sports, and cultural events.

He announced plans to redesign the Uyo city center, which will include a new tower, flyover, and more facilities.

“We will remodel Uyo as our capital city with iconic flyover, iconic tower and other facilities. Uyo shall become a city with a changed skyline,” Eno said.

In agriculture, he promised to move from subsistence farming to commercial farming and agro-industrialization using modern techniques, farm settlements, support for farmers, and expansion of agro-processing.

He also committed to ongoing investment in roads, electricity, transportation, education, healthcare, and skills training. He emphasized that young people should be active players and beneficiaries in the growing economy.

Regarding the Ibom Deep Seaport, Eno called it a key part of the state’s long-term economic plans. He thanked Tinubu for his support during the certification and approval stages.

He noted that the seaport would make Akwa Ibom a center for maritime, logistics, industrial, and commercial activities.

Speaking to the Campaign Council members, Eno urged them to see their roles as a duty to serve, not a privilege. He encouraged them to focus on policies and the welfare of the people.

He asked for campaigns based on issues and peace, urging party members to take their message to local areas instead of just holding big rallies. He called the 2027, 2031 period a time of reward.

“I challenge the structures to deliver at least two million votes for Tinubu. We must mobilise support for other APC candidates, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio,” he said.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the governor as “an uncommon transformer 2.0” and urged him to stay committed to people-focused governance.

He called on the people to come together and vote for ongoing effective leadership, peace, and good governance.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Campaign Council, Ambassador Assam Assam, SAN, reassured the governor of a disciplined and issue-based campaign. He highlighted over 1,500 kilometers of road projects, free education, the hiring of more than 3,000 teachers, healthcare initiatives, agricultural grants, and youth entrepreneurship programs as proof of the administration’s achievements.