Non-indigenes Give Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno Pass Mark Ahead 2027

As the 2027 general elections inch closer, non indigenes – Arewa, N’Igbo, Yoruba and other ethnic nationalities resident in Akwa Ibom State, have appraised the scorecards of President Bola Tinubu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno, and gave them a pass mark.

Consequently, the campaign structure – Arise with Renewed Hope Initiative, has extended its mobilisation drive to the non-indigene community in the State, bringing together diverse ethnic groups resident in the state into what has been described as “a defining moment of unity, inclusion, and political consolidation.”
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‎The event, held at the Non-Indigene Secretariat, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, the state capital, LEADERSHIP Weekend gathered, drew participants from across Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities who currently live and do businesses in the State, effectively positioning the non-indigene community as a symbolic “32nd LGAs in the state.”
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‎Addressing the forum, the president-general of the initiative, Engr. Uwem Okoko, reiterated the strategic importance of the non-indigene population in the political architecture of the state, describing them as “a critical bloc whose contributions to economic growth and social stability cannot be overlooked.”
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‎He, therefore, announced the inclusion of non-indigene representatives into the initiative’s structure across all previously toured LGAs, to ensure broader participation and inclusivity.
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‎Okoko, emphasised that the integration of non-indigenes into the movement reflects a deliberate effort to unify all residents under a common purpose of progress, peace, and political advancement in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.
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‎In his welcome remark, the coordinator of Non-Indigenes in Akwa Ibom State, Amb. Sunday Usikhifo, expressed deep appreciation to the State government for fostering a peaceful and business-friendly environment that has enabled non-indigenes to thrive. He highlighted the importance of sustained peace and security as key drivers of economic activity and social harmony.
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‎As part of his commitment to the growth and institutional strength of the non-indigene community, Amb. Usikhifo announced the donation of a fully completed two-storey secretariat complex comprising 33 offices, aimed at providing a central administrative hub for the association.
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‎In addition, he donated three buses to support the operational activities of the group, formally handing them over to the President-General of the initiative.
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‎In his remarks, the international coordinator, Sir Udo Kierian Akpan, underscored the significance of unity across ethnic and cultural lines, noting that the strength of Akwa Ibom lies in its diversity and collective commitment to peaceful coexistence and development.
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‎The highlight of the event was the formal inauguration of the Non-Indigene Association Executive Council, with Amb. Sunday Usikhifo as Coordinator, Mrs. Tope Balogun as Deputy Coordinator, and Alhaji Ibrahim Ilya, as Secretary.
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‎Other members of the council include High Chief Dame Ngozi Igwe, Mr. Abdulateef Adebanjo, Mr. Philip Otuoma, Mr. Maxwell Ntul, Chief Ukachukwu Ogbonna, Rev. Seimiekumo Steve, Mr. Theophilus Ajakaiye, Mr. Emmanuel Ajah Ogbonna, Kosuk Monday, Mrs. Tari Adesoye, Comrade Chinagorom Asika, Jonathan Ifekwenne, Mamuda Tanko, Mrs. Gloria Afujue, Mr. Julius Ogungbemi, Chief Wisdom Kenechukwu, Asemota Osayi, Mr. Tabi Frederick, Mr. Sakiru Awoga, Mr. Manu Methodius Chukwuemeka, Mrs. Philo Baarong Binang, Alhaji Umaru Ali, Ichie Egbe Aleke, Pst. Macqueen Henunumwen, Mahmud Sali, Ejoke Okpura, and Gloria Michael, among others.
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‎Also inaugurated was the Non-Indigene Associations Advisory Council, chaired by Elder Ononode Obareki with members including Hon. Kaycee Chididali, Prof. Isaac Ayandele, Alhaji Kayode Oyekunle, Chief Adeeyo Adeboyega, Mr. Olalunde Napoleon Femi, Prince Adeboyega Isiak Adegboke, Mr. Olamide Ogunfunkehin, Chief Tejagbaye T. Brown, Madam Faith Usikhio, Engr. Robinson Usabor, Engr. Benedict Ikenga, Gen. Nico Sinate, Chief Ibor Eni, High Chief Sir Ezeoma Innocent Igwe, Mr. Taye Ishola, Mr. Philip Otuoma Otuh, Chief Chikwado Ubah, Alhaji Prince Ahmed, Alhaji Hassan Dankala, Bishop Daniel Muoto, Imam Bello Danladi, Archbishop Madu Daniel, Adamsu Alex, Akinyele Aderibigbe, Chief Okena Ohiamwen Destiny, Mr. Azim Hussain Zaman, Angela Michael, Olisa Nwogbo, and Ezuma Emmanuel, among others.
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‎Goodwill messages reflected the broad-based support and unity across ethnic divides, with contributions from Chief T. T. Brown representing the Niger Delta community; Alhaji Ibrahim Ilya representing the Arewa Hausa community; Prof. Isaac Ayodele representing the Yoruba (Oduduwa) community of South-West Nigeria; High Chief Dame Ngozi Igwe and Chief Ukachukwu Ogbonna representing the Igbo community of South-East Nigeria; Mr. Emmanuel Usikhifo; Emmanuel Owala, SA to the Governor on Creative Talent Development; Alhaji Umaru Ali; and Mr. Emmanuel Obhgole.
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‎The event ended with the commissioning and inspection of the newly- donated secretariat complex and buses. Highpoints of the ceremony included the formal ribbon-cutting and vibrant cultural displays by representatives of the four major ethnic blocs Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, and Niger Delta showcasing unity in diversity and reinforcing the spirit of national integration within Akwa Ibom State.