A frontline socio-political group in Akwa Ibom State, the Ibibio Vanguard, has strongly condemned the recent wave of intimidation and threats directed at voters and supporters by some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In an official press release signed by its National Secretary, Comrade Silas Udom, the group expressed deep concern that such aggressive statements from high-ranking political figures undermines the foundational principles of democracy, emphasizing that the people of Akwa Ibom will not cow to threats or coercion.
The Ibibio Vanguard pointed out that democracy is built on the sacred tenets of freedom of choice, free will, and mutual respect rather than forceful instructions handed down from political elites, stressing that it is completely unacceptable for leaders who were entrusted with public mandates to turn around and treat ordinary voters with disdain, arrogance, or threats of political exclusion.
“The era of treating the electorate as mere foot soldiers who have no right to question poor representation or demand accountability is gone,” Comrade Udom noted in the statement. “It is an aberration of democratic norms for leaders to weaponize poverty and political structures to cage the free will of our people.”
The reaction of the Ibibio Vanguard comes on the heels of mounting political tensions and strict warnings issued to supporters over the growing 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.
During a recent political rally held in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, the state woman leader of the APC, Obonganwan Obonodo Uko, openly warned supporters against disobeying party leaders regarding who to vote for in the upcoming 2027 general elections. She maintained that absolute loyalty is the only pathway for youths to grow and prosper in politics.
“I would 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,” Obonganwan Uko warned the crowd at the rally.
She further insisted that party members must fall in line and vote blindly for the party’s symbols without exception. “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 added.
Weighing further on these threats, the leadership of the Ibibio Vanguard argued that such statements reflect a desperate attempt by unpopular politicians to use intimidation to force compliance where performance has failed.
The group noted that Akwa Ibom citizens are politically literate and cannot be cajoled into voting for leaders who have lost touch with the grassroots.
“You cannot force representation down the throats of the people through threats of punishment or denial of party benefits,” Comrade Udom further stated on behalf of the group. “Elections are won through service delivery, stellar legislative achievements, and an open ear to the cries of the constituents not through dictatorial edicts issued from podiums.”
Adding to the controversial atmosphere at the rally, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, declared that federal, state, and local governments would combine their powers to secure overwhelming electoral victories for the APC in Akwa Ibom State.
“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,” Mr. Ekpo told the gathering, highlighting the use of combined government machinery by stating, “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… will come to you.”
Similarly, Mr. Saviour Enyiekere, Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, echoed a hardline stance at the event, warning dissenting voices and non-conformists to steer clear of party gatherings. “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… I am the one that will say what will happen and it will happen that way,” he stated.
Condemning these developments in totality, the Ibibio Vanguard maintained that the open deployment of state and federal might to intimidate the electorate represents a dangerous regression in democratic practice.
Comrade Silas Udom stressed that political leaders should focus on good governance, accountability, and convincing the electorate through achievements rather than resorting to bullying tactics.
The group concluded by calling on security agencies, civil society organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to monitor political activities in Akwa Ibom State closely, ensuring that the fundamental rights of citizens to freely choose their leaders are protected without fear of victimization, harassment, or systemic suppression.
