A political standoff is brewing in Abak Local Government Area as the Abak Peoples’ Congress (APC) has opposed an attempt by the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong, to secure a third term in 2027.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abak, the group declared that the next representative for the Abak State Constituency must come from Midim Clan, in accordance with a zoning arrangement they described as binding and non-negotiable.
The position was outlined in a communiqué delivered by Rock Dick following deliberations on what participants termed “disturbing political developments” threatening unity in the constituency.
According to the congress, respect for fairness, equity, and collective agreements is essential for democratic stability.
They recalled a 2023 agreement brokered under the leadership of former Deputy Governor Moses Ekpo, where leaders across Abak, unanimously adopted a rotational formula.
Under that arrangement, the current tenure, held by Abak Clan through Speaker Otong, was to be followed by a Midim Clan representative in 2027.
Stakeholders insisted that all parties, including the speaker, endorsed the agreement at the time.
They now view any third-term bid as a breach of trust and a direct violation of that pact.
The meeting also featured strong criticism of Otong’s performance, with participants accusing him of failing to deliver meaningful development despite occupying a high-ranking office.
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Many described his tenure as disappointing, citing a lack of visible projects and tangible benefits for constituents.
The congress went further to pass a vote of no confidence on the speaker, warning that Abak voters have a history of rejecting underperforming leaders regardless of political influence.
Concerns were also raised over alleged remarks attributed to Otong suggesting he could influence party nominations across constituencies.
Attendees dismissed such claims as undemocratic and contrary to party supremacy and collective decision-making.
Amid rising tensions, stakeholders cautioned that any attempt to impose a third-term candidacy could provoke serious electoral backlash, especially as the 2027 state House of Assembly elections will coincide with the governorship race.
While expressing dissatisfaction with local representation, the group reaffirmed support for national and state leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno.
However, they urged the governor to remain attentive to grassroots realities, warning that backing a third-term bid could heighten tensions in Abak.
Beyond politics, residents highlighted pressing infrastructure challenges, particularly the lack of electricity in several communities due to non-functional transformers, an issue they say has fueled public frustration.
Various speakers at the meeting reinforced the demand for zoning adherence, youth empowerment, transparency, and an end to vote buying.
Representatives from multiple clans echoed the call for Midim Clan to produce the next lawmaker, stressing competence and accountability.
The gathering concluded with a unanimous resolution endorsing Tinubu, Akpabio, and Umo Eno for second terms, while firmly insisting that the 2027 Abak State Constituency seat be zoned to Midim Clan.
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