Former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Okon, has backed Governor Umo Eno’s re-election bid, praising his ARISE 2.0 blueprint for Akwa Ibom State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Umana, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in the state, said Governor Eno had shown vision, capacity and commitment to the development of Akwa Ibom through his first term achievements and his newly unveiled second term agenda.

He described the ARISE 2.0 blueprint as a continuation of the good works already recorded under the ARISE Agenda, noting that the 17-point development plan covers agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, education, healthcare, tourism and maritime development.

According to him, the blueprint is well thought out and people oriented, with clear focus on building a productive economy, strengthening the business environment, encouraging entrepreneurs and attracting investors to the state.

He said if Governor Eno could embark on such impactful projects in his first term, he would do even more if given a second term, adding that Akwa Ibom people should support continuity and consolidation.

Umana urged APC stakeholders, party members and supporters across the state to work together in unity and ensure full collaboration to elect Governor Eno and other candidates of the party in the 2027 elections.

He also called on Akwa Ibom people to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, saying the unity of the party and the development of the state must remain paramount as the campaign gathers momentum.