BY SOLOMON OKPO
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Okobo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have thrown their full weight behind the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey, endorsing him as the sole candidate for the 2027 State House of Assembly election.
The unanimous decision was reached at an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting held on May 4, 2026, at the Council Secretariat in Okopedi. The gathering brought together party leaders, government officials, and political heavyweights from across the eleven wards of the local government, as part of early strategic moves ahead of the party primaries and the 2027 general elections.
Chairman of Okobo Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Engr. George Henshaw, who set the tone for deliberations, stressed the need to uphold the existing zoning arrangement between the Mbawa and Atak Oro political blocs. He noted that the rotational system has ensured peace, balance, and political stability in the area over the years.
Henshaw recalled that former Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Princess Felicia Bassey, from Atak Oro bloc, had completed two terms in the State Assembly, insisting that equity demands a similar opportunity for Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey, who hails from the Mbawa bloc.
According to him, sustaining the zoning principle would not only preserve unity but also reinforce confidence in the party’s internal democratic process. He therefore urged stakeholders to close ranks and support the lawmaker’s second-term ambition, citing his performance as justification for continuity.
The meeting attracted a wide spectrum of influential figures, including the Commissioner for Sanitation and Water Resources, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ubuo Effiong Ubuo; former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chief Peter Linus Umoh; former Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Princess Felicia Bassey; and former Sole Administrator of the NDDC, Pastor Effiong Akwa, among others.
Also in attendance were former legislators, party executives, ward councillors, supervisors, special advisers, and grassroots mobilizers, underscoring the breadth of support for the resolution.
In a related development, the stakeholders passed a vote of confidence on key political leaders at both state and federal levels, including Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Senator Ekong Sampson, and Hon. Martins Esin, for what they described as their contributions to development in the area.
Speaking at the meeting, Pastor Effiong Akwa described the consensus adoption as a reflection of unity of purpose among party stakeholders, emphasizing that cohesion remains critical for political stability and sustained development.
Similarly, former Speaker Peter Linus Umoh commended the stakeholders for demonstrating political maturity, noting that consensus-building remains a vital tool for strengthening party cohesion and ensuring effective representation.
Other speakers, including Dr. Ubuo Effiong Ubuo and Princess Felicia Bassey, aligned with the decision, calling for sustained support for the incumbent lawmaker, whom they described as committed to service delivery and grassroots development.
APC State Officer, Rt. Hon. Edu Atta, characterized the endorsement as a deserved recognition of performance, while the Okobo APC Chapter Chairman, Comrade Raphael Awanakak, assured that the party machinery at the grassroots level is fully mobilized to secure victory in the forthcoming elections.
Responding, Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him, describing the endorsement as both humbling and a call to greater service. He pledged to intensify efforts in delivering quality representation, attracting development projects, and promoting inclusive governance across all wards of Okobo.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of his constituents and thanked party leaders and the people of Okobo for their continued support.
