More prominent stakeholders across Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District have thrown their weight behind the re-election of Senator Ekong Sampson, citing his performance and legislative experience as reasons for continuity in the Senate.
Among those who expressed support is Usoro Akpanusoh, a two-term former member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, Akpanusoh described Sampson as a stabilizing factor whose return to the Senate would be of immense benefit to the district.
He dismissed moves by a few politicians seeking to stop Sampson from securing another term, describing the proposal as unpopular and not reflective of the general sentiment of stakeholders across the senatorial district.
Akpanusoh, who also served as Vice Chairman of Esit Eket Local Government Area, used the occasion to congratulate Assam Assam on his emergence as the political leader of the senatorial district, urging stakeholders to rally round him.
According to him, Assam’s leadership comes with vast experience that would guide the district effectively as it approaches the next election cycle.
“We are proud of his emergence and trust that he will bring his wealth of experience to bear in advancing the political fortunes of the district,” Akpanusoh said.
He maintained that Sampson’s performance so far has been sterling and impactful, adding that it would be in the best interest of the district to encourage him to seek and secure a second term in office.
Akpanusoh also backed the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Bassey Eno for second terms in office, urging that the same gesture be extended to Sampson.
He further argued that even if the senatorial seat is eventually opened for the contest, Sampson should be given the right of first refusal in view of his experience and legislative contributions.
Akpanusoh therefore called on members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress in Eket Senatorial District to support Sampson’s second-term ambition, expressing confidence that the lawmaker would perform even better if given another mandate.
According to him, a second term would enable the senator to attain the status of a ranking member in the Senate, a position that could enhance his ability to attract more development projects and democratic dividends to the district.
Also lending his voice, a former chairman of the Eket Senatorial District chapter of the APC, Cyril Enemi, declared his total endorsement of Sampson, describing the lawmaker as “a square peg in a square hole.”
Enemi said Sampson possesses the competence, intellect and technical capacity required to represent the district effectively at the National Assembly, warning that electing an inexperienced candidate could deprive the district of quality representation.
He added that within the Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, Sampson stands out in terms of legislative experience, political focus and intellectual capacity.
Enemi assured that he would mobilise grassroots support across the senatorial district to ensure the senator’s re-election, noting that Sampson’s foresight, legislative contributions and the advantage of becoming a ranking senator were key factors behind his decision.
Both stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to mobilising wider support for Sampson’s second-term bid.
The renewed endorsements follow earlier backing for the senator from notable stakeholders, including former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development elder statesman, Chief Nduese Essien and other prominent leaders across the district.
