The Non-Indigenes Association in Akwa Ibom State has launched a grassroots mobilisation drive to deliver 100,000 votes for Governor Umo Eno, in the 2027 general elections, inaugurating 369 ward coordinators and volunteers across the state.
The inauguration, held on Saturday at FEYREP Multipurpose Hall, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, also featured a pledge by members to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The association’s Coordinator, Amb. Sunday Usikhifo, said the target was achievable if members mobilised at least 270 votes in each of the state’s 369 wards.
Usikhifo, who is also the Governor’s Personal Assistant on Volunteer Services, described non-indigenes as a significant electoral force capable of influencing the outcome of the 2027 elections. He said the inauguration was aimed at establishing an organised grassroots structure spanning polling units, wards and local government areas.
He charged the newly inaugurated coordinators to mobilise members in their respective communities and build effective networks to translate the association’s political commitment into votes.
Speaking at the event, the President-General of the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative, Engr. Uwem Okoko, who was the special guest of honour, commended the association for building a statewide political structure and pledging support for the APC.
Okoko, represented by the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, described the association’s political alignment as a demonstration of unity and commitment to the continued development of Akwa Ibom State.
He urged members to sustain grassroots mobilisation and invited them to a mega rally scheduled for November 4 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Chairman of the association’s Advisory Council, Elder Onoriode Obareki, described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the state’s political landscape.
Obareki disclosed that non-indigenes contributed more than 26,000 votes during the 2023 general elections, expressing confidence that the association would mobilise substantially more votes in 2027.
He also expressed optimism about continued government support for non-indigenes, particularly in business development, and disclosed a proposed ₦800 million grant initiative expected to benefit members.
In a goodwill message, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation, Rev. Osondu Ahirika, commended President Tinubu’s tax reform initiatives and urged members to remain committed to the APC’s electoral success.
Other goodwill messages were delivered by Mr. Aniefiok James, Dean of Ward Personal Assistants to the Governor; Comrade Evans Umoren, Chairman of the APC Youth Caucus; and other government appointees, including Mr. Emmanuel Ouwala.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated coordinators, Rev. Steve David of Ward 2, Uyo Urban, pledged their commitment to the assignment and assured that they would intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
