Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, an apex socio-cultural group of Ibibio extraction, has urged eligible voters in the state to use the 2027 general elections to replace elected representatives and political leaders who fail to deliver on their responsibilities, insisting that electoral choices should reflect performance, accountability and development.
International Public Relations Officer of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Akparawa Idongesit Ikono, ANIPR, made this known during an interview on Team Nigeria Classic series Nigeria First, Akwa Ibom First, where he discussed roles of existing socio-cultural organisations in partisan politics, good governance and credible elections.
The organisation charged electorates to look beyond political party affiliations and political promises when deciding who actually deserves their votes, in his response, Pastor Idongesit Ikono noted that “Public office occupants must earn another mandate through demonstrable results. Consequentially, “voters are to use the ballot to hold leaders accountable and reject those who fail to meet the expectations of their constituents.”
The MMI spokesperson also reaffirmed their mutual commitment to political neutrality ahead of the upcoming general elections, he explained that other socio-cultural organisations aside Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio should foster integrity by avoiding endorsements that could divide their membership or equally compromise their socio cultural responsibilities.
“Socio-cultural organisations should remain neutral and provide a platform for the people, irrespective of their political affiliations. Our responsibility is to promote the interests, unity and development of our people, not to turn our organisations into instruments of partisan politics,” Pastor Ikono said.
He called on other socio-cultural groups in the state such as Ati Ananng, Oro Nation, Ekid People’s Union, the Obolo people among others to resist any pressure to endorse party candidates or political parties, stressing that their influence be deployed in promoting peaceful elections, issue-based campaigns and accountability among those seeking public office.
”We should be advocating stronger grassroots development across local government areas,” he said noting that communities needed responsive leadership, basic infrastructure and improved social services, he said.
According to him, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio remain a force to reckon with. “As an outspoken voice on issues affecting the Ibibio people, Akwa Ibom and Nigeria, our organisation would continue to speak on good governance and public welfare with adherence to neutrality,” he stated.
