The Esit Eket Grassroots Network (EGN) in Akwa Ibom State has distanced itself from the controversial position of the Ekid People’s Union (EPU), while declaring support for the second-term ambitions of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Umo Eno, and Okpolupm Ikpong Etteh.
At a well-attended stakeholders’ meeting held over the weekend, the group described the EPU’s recent publication titled “Why Ekid Will Not Support Hon. Okpolupm Ikpong Etteh and Any Other Ibeno Candidate” as misleading, divisive, and unrepresentative of the collective will of the Ekid people.
In a communiqué, the EGN stated that the EPU does not speak for the entire Ekid nation, emphasizing that its views are limited to its members and should not be misconstrued as a unified position.
“The attempt to generalize its stance as the collective will of the people is misleading and unacceptable,” the group declared.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic ideals, the group stressed that leadership should be determined by competence, performance, and service delivery—not ethnic or sectional sentiments.
“Citizens have the constitutional right to freely choose their preferred candidates without coercion or propaganda,” the communiqué added.
The group commended Rep. Okpolupm Etteh’s track record in the Eket Federal Constituency, highlighting his achievements in youth empowerment, human capital development, and consistent engagement with constituents. It noted that his accessibility and responsive representation have set a benchmark worthy of continuity.
In a decisive move, the group passed a motion endorsing the second-term bids of President Tinubu, Governor Eno, and Rep. Etteh, describing them as critical to sustaining ongoing development efforts at the federal, state, and constituency levels.
The motion was moved by Rt. Hon. Okon Edoho Udo, a former Transition Chairman of Esit Eket, and seconded by Chief Victor Dan Ikot, a former Secretary of the Local Government Area.
The meeting, convened and chaired by SCS Martin Edet Umoyo, drew a broad spectrum of political stakeholders, including former office holders, community leaders, and immediate past Chapter and Ward Executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Esit Eket.
Notable attendees included Rt. Hon. Okon Edoho Udo, Chief Victor Dan Ikot, Chief Udo Thompson, Dr. Ekanem Friday John, Emmanuel Nsoh, Mrs. Mercy Joseph Sam, Aniefiok Cobb, Samuel Ehoho Udo, Hon. Ubong Bassey, Hon. Samuel Frank, Victor Asuquo Ayah, Mrs. Ekaette Uduak, Chief Udo Unwong, Udoyo Effiong Udoyo (immediate past Ward 8 Chairman), Prince Imoh Etito, Timothy Tim Umoh, Charity Awai, Comfort Sunday Umana, Felix Etesin, and Bright Inung.
Immediate past APC Ward Chairmen present included Phillip Daniel Udi (Ward 2), Willie John Friday (Ward 3), Benjamin Warrie Eno (Ward 4), Emmanuel Sunday Sam (Ward 5), Daniel Mbong Asuquo (Ward 6), Samuel Monday Asuquo (Ward 9), and Victor Monday Mkpa (Ward 10), among others.
Additional stakeholders such as Michael Benedict Ekwere, Elizabeth Abia, Godwin Etim Inyang, Hon. Samuel Ibok, Nkoyo Samuel, Iboro Sunday Edet, Mark Monday Ikoetuk, and Imaobong Charles also contributed to the deliberations.
Several speakers, including Dr. Ekanem Friday John, Chief Udo Unwong, Felix Etesin, Mrs. Mercy Joseph Sam, Comfort Sunday Umana, and Mrs. Ekaette Uduak, praised Rep. Etteh’s leadership and performance, urging constituents to rally behind him for sustained progress.
