By Solomon OKPO
The Ekid People’s Union (EPU) has formally withdrawn its political support for the member representing Eket Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Okpolupm Ikpong Etteh, citing what it described as a sustained failure to defend the interests and identity of the Ekid people.
The decision was reached at a joint meeting of the union’s Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, and key stakeholders held on March 27, 2026, culminating in a strongly worded communiqué.
In the statement, the EPU also declared that it would not support any candidate of Ibeno extraction in the forthcoming contest for the federal constituency seat, a move that signals a significant political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The union accused the lawmaker of breaching the trust reposed in him over the past 30 months, stressing that effective representation demands courage, vigilance, consultation, and an unwavering commitment to constituents’ interests.
A major point of contention, according to the group, was Hon. Etteh’s alleged failure 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 shortly after his inauguration. The EPU said his silence at the time raised serious concerns about his loyalty and responsiveness to the people he represents.
The union further faulted the legislator for allegedly sponsoring a motion to alter the names of Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas without adequate consultation with affected communities. It described the move as insensitive and inconsistent with democratic norms.
Raising additional concerns, the EPU pointed to worsening insecurity within the constituency, alleging that threats linked to militias from neighbouring states had not received sufficient attention or decisive intervention from the federal lawmaker.
It also condemned what it termed attempts by the Ibeno Clan Council to influence the status of Esit Urua village, warning that such actions pose a threat to the territorial identity and heritage of the Ekid people.
The union maintained that the cumulative effect of these actions and inactions had created a widening disconnect between Hon. Etteh and the aspirations of his constituents.
Consequently, the EPU called on political parties to exercise caution and responsibility in selecting candidates for the 2027 House of Representatives election, emphasizing that only individuals who demonstrate inclusivity, accountability, and respect for the will of the people would earn its support.
The communiqué was endorsed by prominent leaders of the union, including Chief (Hon.) Nduese Essien, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and former Minister; Dr. Samuel Udonsak, President General; Chief Bassey Itama, Secretary of the Board of Trustees; Hon. (Barr.) Bassey Dan-Abia, Secretary General; Obongawan Grace Ikott, Board member; and Obongiwaad (Capt.) Willie Mbong, International President of Afigh Iwaad Ekid, among others.
The development is expected to reshape political alignments within the Eket Federal Constituency as stakeholders begin to position for the next electoral cycle.
