Odudoh Emerges Victorious as APC Conducts House of Representatives Primaries in Mkpat Enin

 

The atmosphere at Community Secondary Commercial School was filled with excitement and political solidarity as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikpa Ikono Ward II turned out in large numbers to participate in the party’s House of Representatives primaries, which produced the incumbent lawmaker, Uduak Odudoh, as winner.

The primary election, conducted through the direct primaries option, attracted party stakeholders, chieftains, supporters, and community leaders from across the ward, including Ekong Sampson, who is also regarded as the political leader of the ward.

At the end of the exercise, the Returning Officer for Ikpa Ikono Ward II, Hon. Anietie Okodi, formally declared Hon. Odudoh winner after the total votes cast were counted.

Addressing party faithful shortly after the exercise, Senator Sampson commended members of the ward for what he described as their total alignment with the direction and decisions of the APC in Akwa Ibom State.

He described the primaries as peaceful, transparent, and reflective of the growing unity and cohesion within the party in Ikpa Ikono Ward II and across the state.

The senator reaffirmed the ward’s support for the APC and its preferred candidates ahead of future elections, including Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Godswill Akpabio, Umo Eno, himself, Hon. Uduak Odudoh, and Hon. Uwem Imoh-Ita.

Senator Sampson, popularly known as the Onomkpoinam of Mkpat Enin, also highlighted several developmental projects attracted to Ikpa Ikono Ward II and other parts of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.

He particularly referenced the ongoing Ibekwe–Ikot Unya–Ekpuk Road project, alongside other interventions in road infrastructure, electricity supply, educational facilities, and water projects, noting that living conditions in the area were steadily improving.

The lawmaker expressed profound appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for approving the construction of the Ibekwe–Ikot Unya–Ekpuk Road, describing the project as transformational for communities along the corridor and evidence of purposeful leadership.

According to him, the road project has significantly eased his efforts in mobilizing support for the APC within the area.

Senator Sampson also lauded Senate President Godswill Akpabio for what he described as his political vision, charisma, and stabilizing influence in strengthening leadership within Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.

In a development that drew applause from party faithful and residents, Senator Sampson announced the donation of a Principal’s Quarters to Community Secondary Commercial School, Iffe Town, after expressing concern over the deteriorating state of infrastructure at the institution, which served as venue for the primaries.

He said the intervention was aimed at improving staff welfare and creating a more conducive learning environment for students and teachers.

Speaking during the gathering, the APC Ward Chairman of Ikpa Ikono Ward II, Mr. Moses Udonwa, commended Senator Sampson for what he described as quality representation and visionary leadership.

He assured that the ward remained fully committed to the political direction of the APC in the state and subsequently led party members in a renewed endorsement of the senator.

Other stakeholders who addressed the gathering, including Hon. Afia Amos, immediate past Secretary of the Transition Committee in Mkpat Enin, Hon. Sophia Donald, councillor representing the ward, and Engr. Udeme Asuquo, also praised Senator Sampson for his developmental strides and pledged continued support for his political future.

Following the primaries, Senator Sampson proceeded to inspect the ongoing Ibekwe–Ikot Unya–Ekpuk Road project, where he reiterated the importance of sustained infrastructural development in rural communities.

He again conveyed the appreciation of the people of the area to Governor Umo Eno for the project.

The senator later visited the country home of Mr. Uwem Usoro, former PDP Ward Chairman of Ikpa Ikono Ward II, where he commended him for his steadfastness and support during their time in the Peoples Democratic Party.

Sampson assured Mr. Usoro and other stakeholders that his representation would continue to remain inclusive and focused on the collective interest of the people irrespective of political affiliation.

According to him, development and service to the people must transcend party lines and remain centered on the welfare of the people.

When Eket Stood Still to Endorse Senator Ekong Sampson, Others

 

By Samuel Udoma

There are moments in politics when events transcend the rhythm of campaigns and political gathering into a watershed of history. The APC endorsement rally held at the Eket City Hall, last Thursday, was one of such moments.

It was a colourful and symbolic gathering that did not merely produce political declarations, but one that reflected the temper, direction and collective resolve of a people determined to move in one accord - a rewind to governance consolidation over disruption.

On that remarkable day, Eket Senatorial District (Akwa Ibom South) literally stood still, not out of uncertainty, but in unison. From the Atlantic communities of Oro to the coast corridors of Ikot Abasi and the bustling heart of Eket, leaders, stakeholders, women, youths and party faithful converged with a singular message: the district had chosen continuity, stability and tested leadership.

At the centre of that historic convergence was Senator Ekong Sampson - the incumbent for Akwa Ibom South, whose endorsement for a return to the Senate in 2027 became one of the defining highlights of the rally.

The Senatorial District also formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Godswill Akpabio for a return as Senate President, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and all the aspirants in the State APC preferred line-up for the Federal and State Constituencies of the district.

Politics in Akwa Ibom South, due to its diverse nature, has often been shaped by complex negotiations, competing interests and delicate rotational balances. Yet, what played out at the Eket City Hall carried an unmistakable symbolism. 

It was not merely an endorsement of candidates; it was an endorsement of political harmony over division, collective strength over fragmentation, and strategic unity over needless internal warfare; peace over discordance.

The significance of the event was amplified by the calibre of personalities who spearheaded the gathering. From Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi to respected political leader Chief Assam Assam - former Nigerian Ambassador to Russia; former Deputy Governor Nsima Ekere, Hon. Pat Ifon, Engr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Chief Chelly Okoko, Engr. Uwem Okoko and several other influential figures across the district. It was indeed, a powerful display of convergence among political tendencies, timbres and calibre united in one accord.

Chief Assam Assam, the APC Political Leader of the District captured the spirit of the day when he emphasized unity, consultation and collective resolve as the foundations upon which the adopted candidacies emerged.

His remarks reflected the deeper political undercurrent within the district — a recognition that the future strength of the APC in Akwa Ibom South would depend largely on its ability to close ranks and present a united front ahead of 2027.

For Senator Ekong Sampson, the endorsement represented more than a political victory. It was a validation of performance, bridge-building and sustained engagement. The entire APC line-up in the Senatorial District itself, is eminently peopled. 

Particularly symbolic of the day was the public declaration by Hon. Francis Charles Uduyok, a former House of Representatives member and erstwhile aspirant in the Senate race, who formally announced his withdrawal and pledged support for the endorsed candidates. In a political environment often characterized by bitterness after 'System' decision, Uduyok’s gesture stood out as a statesman's demonstration of maturity and sportsmanship.

Even more instructive was Senator Sampson’s response. Rather than triumphalism, he chose the language of partnership, gratitude and shared destiny. His acknowledgement of Uduyok as a longtime co-traveller reflected a politician mindful that enduring leadership is strengthened not by watering down rivals, but by preserving relationships.

The endorsements by stakeholders from the three federal constituencies equally underscored the broad acceptability of the adopted candidates. Voices from Ikot Abasi, Eket and Oron spoke not as isolated blocs, but as components of a district increasingly aware of the political value of unity.

Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi perhaps summarized the essence of the rally best when she described the gathering as a demonstration of political maturity, peace and camaraderie. Indeed, what unfolded in Eket was a reminder that politics, when properly managed, can become an instrument of cohesion rather than conflict.

The formal adoption process itself carried a certain dramatic symbolism. When former Speaker Bassey Essien moved the motion for endorsement and Hon. Aboh Uduyok seconded it, the thunderous chorus of “ayes” that erupted from the crowd was more than procedural approval. It sounded like a district collectively affirming its preferred direction.

For Senator Ekong Sampson and the other beneficiaries of the endorsement, the applause and ovation at Eket City Hall carry expectations. Endorsements, after all, are not merely rewards for past performance; they are deposits of public trust demanding renewed commitment. Sampson has reaffirmed his commitment to repay the confidence reposed in him, as a ranking Senator.