“It’s Enough” APC Stakeholders Reject Third-Term Push by Akwa Ibom Speaker

The All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Abak Local Government Area have officially revolted against the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Udeme Otong.

During a heated press briefing held in Abak, the party leaders formally passed a vote of no confidence in the Speaker, citing a breach of trust and political misconduct.

This move stems from an alleged plan by Otong to seek a third term in office, a move the stakeholders claim would directly violate a long-standing zoning agreement designed to ensure political fairness within the constituency.

The group, led by spokesperson Hon. Rock Dick, expressed deep frustration over what they described as a betrayal of a sacred pact.

According to the stakeholders, the Speaker was a primary signatory to a 2023 agreement brokered by former Deputy Governor Moses Ekpo.

That document clearly outlined that the state assembly seat would rotate among the clans to prevent one area from dominating the others.

Rock Dick reminded the public that “Democracy thrives on the principles of fairness, equity, justice, and respect for collective agreements freely entered into by stakeholders,” stressing that the Speaker was the very first person to benefit from this arrangement.

The existing rotation dictates that once the Abak Clan finishes its current tenure under Otong, the seat must shift to the Midim Clan for the 2027 elections.

The stakeholders pointed out that the Midim Clan has been sidelined since 1999, despite having two wards. They argued that it is time to end the lopsided representation that has seen the Abak Clan hold onto power for over 16 years.

By pushing for another term, they claim Otong is disregarding the moral and political contract that holds the different clans together in peace and unity.

Reiterating their stance, the stakeholders declared that ‘Enough Is Enough’ regarding the Speaker’s third-term aspirations. They vowed to protect the sanctity of the zoning formula and rejected any attempt by individuals to distort the path to equity.

Moreover, they maintained that the agreement remains sacrosanct and must be honored to ensure the even development of the Abak state constituency.