Edith CHUKU
Haven been cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, to seek re-election for the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial seat in the forthcoming 2027 general elections, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio’s support groups have commenced grassroot mobilisation.
As part of efforts to strengthen grassroots mobilisation ahead of the elections, the Akpabio women village coordinators were inaugurated in Ukanafun Local Government Area of the state.
The inauguration, held on Wednesday, at the women development center, Ikot Akpankuk, brought together APC women leaders and stakeholders across the local government.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Ukanafun LGA, Obong Uyo Ukpanah, urged the coordinators to uphold loyalty and commitment to the party, stressing that party loyalty remained essential in the distribution of political opportunities and rewards.
While urging the women to mobilise their respective units and villages for all APC candidates, he described Akpabio as their pride which he said they must protect at all cost.
Ukpanah also maintained that the governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has done well and deserve support from the women.
He also charged them to see their responsibility as one requiring commitment, and consistency, noting that effective grassroots mobilisation would be critical to the party’s success.
Also speaking, the wife of the Chairman, Obonganwan Mokut Ukpanah, cautioned the village coordinators against using their positions to intimidate or molest others.
She urged them to build a proper database of women in their respective villages, advising each coordinator to maintain an exercise book containing the names of women in their units.
“Do not use the same women every time. Ensure you rotate,” even as she stressed the need to give more women opportunities to participate in the mobilisation process.
Obonganwan Mokut further reminded the coordinators that their assignment goes beyond Senator Akpabio, as they would also be expected to mobilise support for the governor and other APC candidates.
On her part, the state APC Women Leader, Obonganwan Obonodo Uko, declared that women in the local government were prepared to deliver their units to the APC.
She maintained that the women had demonstrated their capacity in previous elections and would sustain the effort, particularly with what she described as a workaholic senate president and a performing governor whose administration has prioritised women’s development.
Performing the inauguration, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Inibehe Silas, charged the women to be proactive, organised and committed to their responsibilities, urging them to take grassroots mobilisation seriously.
Also speaking, the HSA on ISD Women Mobilisation, Dr. Charity Ido, urged the coordinators to remain focused and work collectively to strengthen women’s participation and mobilisation across the local government.
