Aniefiok Christopher
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the former spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, has thrown his weight behind the re-election bid of the member representing Eket Federal Constituency, Hon. Okpolupm Etteh.
Addressing journalists in Uyo on Monday, Eyiboh said Etteh and Sen. Ekong Sampson from Eket Senatorial District have delivered on their mandates, stressing that they deserve return tickets to consolidate their achievements in the National Assembly.
According to him, supporting the duo’s return aligns with the ongoing endorsements for continuity at other levels of government, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
“Hon. Okpolupm Etteh has ticked all the boxes regarding zoning. In terms of performance, he has done well and should be allowed to go back and consolidate his gains,” Eyiboh said.
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The Senior Special Adviser, Media to the Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio added that it would be consistent and fair to extend similar support to other lawmakers, including Senator Ekong Sampson, noting that continuity in governance remains key to sustaining development.
“If we are supporting President Bola Tinubu, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno for a second term, why shouldn’t we support Etteh and Senator Ekong Sampson to return? This is not only fair, it is proper,” he said.
Eyiboh emphasised the need for pragmatic political decisions, stating, “We cannot seek an omelet without breaking the egg.”
Talking about the forthcoming APC primaries, the former lawmaker for Eket Federal Constituency requested for a level playing field to all aspirants in the race, stressing that should be no room for a caveat.
While cautioning against name dropping, he said people contesting for various positions should present their manifestos and confidence the people on why they should be given the mandate.
He advised the people to focus on choosing their first eleven, including men or women of proven integrity, with the requisite experience and courage. “Our first 11 should be those who will help to sustain the powers and privileges that God has so graciously granted Akwa Ibom in this season,” he stated.
Dwelling on the achievements of the APC led Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Eseme Eyiboh cited the student’s loan scheme, that has enabled thousands of indigent students access to loans to pay for their fees, describing it as a success story.
On the Electoral Act 2026, he described the recently amended Electoral Act as a game-changer to the extent that power has been given back to the people, with the re-introduction of the direct primaries, adding that the political parties are now compelled to engage by the rules of the game.
“So, it’s not something where you are APC member tonight, then tomorrow or at the weekend, you now decide to go back to Labour Party simply because you want to pick a ticket,” he explained.
Stressing that the situation in the past attracted litigations, conflict and crisis, which had disrupted our social democracy. He explained further that the amendment of the electoral act, will allow contestants to go to the primaries to test their popularity with the people.
“And that’s why aspirants must come out to campaign, sell their profiles and then persuade them on why they should be given mandates. So on the electoral act, that amendment was and still remains a game-changer,” he added.
