-Indigenes fear election will be ’bloody’
A heated political controversy has erupted in the Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State following comments by political heavyweight Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, on the reelection bid the incumbent House of Representatives member, Hon. Clement Jimbo.
Speaking during a project commissioning event in Etim Ekpo LGA, Enoidem sparked public pushback when he warned constituents that failing to support All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates, specifically Clement Jimbo, would be treated as an act of defiance.
“It will amount to rebellion for you not to vote all the candidates of the APC, and Clement Jimbo is one of them. We will return him whether you like it or not,” Enoidem threatened.
Enoidem’s remarks quickly went viral across political circles and social media in Akwa Ibom State, drawing criticism from political commentators, civil society actors, and grassroots voters.
Critics argue that describing opposition to a specific candidate as “rebellion” misinterprets the democratic process. Political analysts pointed out that while party leaders have the right to mobilize support, telling voters a candidate will be imposed “whether they like it or not” undermines basic democratic principles.
Eyewitnesses at the event noted visible discontent among attendees when Jimbo was mentioned. Residents expressed frustration over political leaders treating voters’ choices as guaranteed party property rather than earning their mandate through consultation and performance.
Political commentators emphasized that sustainable leadership relies on negotiation, consensus-building, and persuasion, not authoritarian mandates or demands for total obedience.
They observed that Enoidem’s attempt to enforce strict party loyalty in Etim Ekpo for a candidate from neighboring Abak LGA has reactivated local sentiment regarding power-sharing, zoning, and candidate acceptability across the three constituent LGAs.
Beyond immediate political disagreement, Enoidem’s declaration has triggered widespread anxiety across Etim Ekpo, a region historically sensitive to political instability and electoral violence.
The Guide Newspapers gathered that local residents and community leaders fear that describing political opposition as rebellion and declaring that the party will do what it wants whether the people like it or not, lays the groundwork for voter intimidation, political thuggery, and potential bloodshed during the 2027 general elections.
Elder Akpan Udokah, a community leader, Etim Ekpo, noted that when a political figure of Barr. Enoidem’s stature tells the people that a candidate will be forced on them ‘whether we like it or not,’ it is no longer campaign speech, but more like a declaration of war.
“Labelling voters who disagree as rebels sets a dangerous target on our backs. If this is the mindset going into 2027, then we should brace ourselves for a very bloody election where brute force replaces the ballot.”
Another indigene, Aniefiok Ekong, a youth representative in the area, argued that Etim Ekpo has spent years recovering from violence and security crisis, and cannot afford to be dragged back into chaos because politicians want to impose candidates.
“Calling peaceful dissent rebellion is a clear signal that political thugs will be deployed to hijack ballot boxes and crush opposition in 2027. The youths will not accept being forced, and that resistance is what makes everyone fear bloodshed.”
On her part, Mrs. Grace Bassey, said, “As mothers, statements like this terrify us. If they are already declaring that our votes don’t matter and that they will return Clement Jimbo by force, what will happen on election day? It means guns and violence will be used to drive people away from polling units. Many women are already saying they will lock their doors and stay home in 2027 just to stay alive.”
