55 years old Obonganwan Obonodo Uko, the state woman leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and other leaders of the APC in Akwa Ibom, have resorted to threats and intimidation of their supporters over the increasing mass resistance against the re-election of Mr Clement Jimbo, the current member representing Abak/Ika/Etim Ekpo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Obonganwan Uko, who was among the speakers at a political rally in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, warned the supports against disobeying the directions of the leaders on who to vote in 2027, saying that the only were they would grow and prosper in politics is to remain loyal.
“I will like the youths to listen because I have a very serious message for them. The only thing that will elevate you from youth status is to be loyal; listen to your leaders. Otherwise, you will remain a child. To become a leader, you must first be a servant. When you see someone reap the benefits of politics, it is because they have been loyal.
“You cannot be a member of APC, but you’re deceiving yourself by mentioning another political party. That means you will never prosper; you will not gain, because you have disappointed yourself. If you are a member of APC, you will vote for the broom all through, and I don’t even care who is standing for election. You must vote APC all through,” she warned.
Speaking earlier, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, declared that the federal, state and local governments will combine their powers to secure overwhelming electoral victories for the APC in Akwa Ibom State, raising questions about the neutrality of public institutions ahead of the 2027 elections.
“This State Constituency, this Federal Constituency, this Senatorial District, this Akwa Ibom State is going to be 100 over 100. I can tell you that as a federal minister,” he told the crowd at the rally.
“We will bring federal might and join with state might and join with local government might and make sure the people of this local government, whether you like that blessing, that blessing will come to you. A man of peace is on the throne.”
Mr Ekpo’s remarks follow concerns about political leaders making declarations that appear to presume electoral results before voters cast their ballots.
In September, it was reported that Emmanuel Enoidem, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, insisted that a federal lawmaker, Clement Jimbo, would be returned to the House of Representatives in 2027, “whether you like it or not”.
Mr Enoidem made the declaration while soliciting support for Mr Jimbo, who represents Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency. Some members of the audience reportedly rejected the appeal.
Mr Enoidem later clarified that his remarks were directed at APC members, arguing that party members were expected to support their party’s candidates, acknowledging the right of voters to freely choose their preferred candidates.
Mr Ekpo’s expression steered political discourse in Akwa Ibom, invoking concerns about whether the machinery of government could be used to influence electoral competition in the 2027 general elections.
Mr Ekpo’s declaration is particularly noteworthy because he occupies a federal executive position and noted that he speaks from the hindsight of being a minister while openly invoking the use of federal powers for an electoral result.
On his part, Mr Saviour Enyiekere, Chairman, National Assembly Service Commission, said, “Listen, this is an APC rally. If you say something else, then you are not in APC. When your party is holding a gathering, don’t call us because we won’t come. So, don’t come to our party rally to say something different from what we are saying. I am the one that will say what will happen and it will happen that way.”
