Ahead of the 2027 general election, aggrieved constituents of Ekid ethnic nationality comprising Eket and Esit Eket local government areas of Eket, Esit-Eket, Onna and Ibeno federal constituency of Akwa Ibom State, have called for the existing zoning arrangement to be respected in the constituency.

In a communiqué made available to journalists in Uyo, the State capital, and signed by key leaders and stakeholders of the zone including former minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and BoT Chairman, Chief Nduese Essien; the EPU President-General, Dr. Samuel Udonsak; the BoT Secretary, Chief Bassey Itama; the EPU Secretary General, Barr. Bassey Dan-Abia; Obongawan Grace Ikott, a BoT member, and Obongiwaad Willie Mbong, International President, Afigh Iwaad Ekid, they vowed to work against the re-election of Rt. Hon. Etteh, and any aspirant that could emerge from his native Ibeno local government area of the federal constituency.

Under the aegis of the Ekid People’s Union (EPU), the electorates in Eket and Esit Eket LGAs in the federal constituency stated that they have withdrawn their support for the second term bid of the incumbent member representing the Eket, Esit-Eket, Onna and Ibeno federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Okpolupm Ikpong Etteh.

Citing alleged failure to protect the interests and identity of the Ekid people and poor representation, the group noted that the lawmaker has over the years demonstrated what they described as politics of exclusion and discrimination against the Ekid constituents.

The resolution, it was learnt, was reached at a joint meeting of the EPU Board of Trustees (BoT) executive committee and other accredited stakeholders.

The group said, “The EPU’s decision followed what we noted as a breach of trust by the lawmaker over the past 30 months,” noting that “representation requires “courage, vigilance, consultation and dedication to the people’s interest.”

The union expressed concern that Hon. Etteh allegedly failed to defend the territorial integrity of Akwa Ibom State when a petition challenging the State’s gazetted map was presented on the floor of the House of Representatives shortly after his inauguration as a member of the House.

According to the group, the lawmaker’s silence at the time raised doubts about his commitment to the people he represents.

The EPU further accused the legislator of unilaterally sponsoring a motion to change the names of Eket and Esit-Eket LGAs without consulting the affected communities, describing the move as insensitive and contrary to democratic principles.

It also raised alarm over worsening insecurity in the constituency, alleging that threats to peace and development, reportedly linked to militias from neighbouring States, had not received adequate attention or response from the representative.

Besides, the union condemned what it described as attempts by the Ibeno Clan Council to influence the status of Esit Urua village, warning that such actions threatened the territorial integrity and identity of the Ekid people.

According to them, the cumulative actions and inactions of the lawmaker had created a disconnect between him and the aspirations of the Ekid people and, therefore, urged political parties to exercise due diligence in selecting candidates for the 2027 House of Representatives election for the Eket Federal Constituency, stressing that it would not support or vote for any Ibeno candidate.

“Our decision was reached after careful consideration,” the EPU stated, and reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles, pledging support only for “leadership that reflects responsibility, inclusivity and respect for the will of the people.”

(LEADERSHIP, but headline rejigged)