As political realignments gradually take shape ahead of 2027, a structured advocacy movement known as the Ekong Sampson Believers has emerged within Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District.
In this interview with The Evangelist crew, the Chairman of the group, Idorenyin Ukpong, outlines the rationale behind the formation of the movement, defends the performance record of Ekong Sampson, and explains why stakeholders are pressing for continuity beyond the current Senate term.
Q: What specific events or political developments prompted the formation of the Ekong Sampson Believers?
A: The formation was not reactionary; it was strategic. We observed a pattern in Nigerian politics where performance does not automatically translate into sustained political support. Given the senator’s growing national influence and local impact, we deemed it necessary to create a structured platform to consolidate support, coordinate messaging, and protect his legislative gains from being diluted by misinformation or political distractions.
Q: What concrete achievements justify this organized advocacy?
A: The record speaks clearly. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Senator Sampson occupies a nationally strategic position. He facilitated a ₦100 million students’ grant scheme, executed empowerment programmes that distributed vehicles and tricycles, supported SME beneficiaries, and attracted federal jobs and projects in education and erosion control.
His work combines lawmaking, oversight, and direct constituency intervention. That blend is rare and deserves structured advocacy.
Q: How does “believing in him” translate into measurable action?
A: Belief without structure is noise. We are building ward-to-ward engagement networks, strengthening polling unit coordination, advancing issue-based advocacy, and deploying data-driven voter outreach.
It also means documenting achievements, correcting misinformation, and sustaining grassroots communication long before the electoral cycle intensifies.
Q: Why are stakeholders advocating continuity beyond 2027?
A: Continuity is not sentimental; it is strategic. The senator is transitioning into ranking status in the Senate. Interrupting that progression would mean losing compounded influence. Experience, institutional memory, and national networks grow stronger over time. Development should not be reset midway.
Q: How does legislative ranking influence project execution and resource allocation?
A: In the Senate, ranking determines leverage. A ranking senator has stronger bargaining power during budget negotiations, greater committee influence, and deeper access to strategic decision-making platforms.
Continuity strengthens federal visibility for the district and improves the odds of attracting projects.
Q: How has he leveraged his chairmanship of the Solid Minerals Committee?
A: Solid minerals represent Nigeria’s diversification future beyond oil. Through his oversight role, Senator Sampson positions Akwa Ibom South within national resource conversations.
That creates opportunities for regulatory reforms, investment advocacy, and federal attention to mineral development potential in the region.
Q: Which key bills has he sponsored or co-sponsored?
A: Among his recent legislative initiatives is a bill seeking the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Eket. That alone signals long-term institutional investment in healthcare infrastructure for the district.
Q: Do his interventions reflect balance?
A: Yes. His representation spans infrastructure support such as erosion control, human capital development through student grants, and economic empowerment via SME support and equipment distribution.
It addresses immediate community needs while building long-term capacity.
Q: How significant is bipartisan endorsement for 2027?
A: It is critical. Support that cuts across political divides indicates credibility. When traditional institutions, community leaders, and political actors align beyond party lines, it strengthens electoral viability and reduces polarization in a competitive district.
Q: What are the risks of replacing a ranking senator?
A: Replacing a ranking senator with a first-term legislator resets influence to entry level. Committee leadership opportunities may be lost, negotiation power reduced, and institutional relationships weakened. Development momentum could slow significantly.
Q: How have his SME grants, employment facilitation, and erosion control efforts translated to grassroots impact?
A: The impact is measurable. SME beneficiaries have expanded businesses and created employment. Empowerment initiatives have improved household income stability. Erosion control projects protect roads and homes. Employment facilitation has linked constituents to federal opportunities.
These are tangible outcomes, not abstract claims.
Q: Is the 2027 call driven by loyalty or performance?
A: Politics always carries elements of loyalty, but this movement is performance-driven. The consistent reference point among stakeholders is measurable results, legislative positioning, and leadership competence.
Continuity, in this context, is about capacity and results not sentiment
