Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a former aspirant for the Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency seat, has endorsed Obong Ime Okon for a second term and formally handed over his God’s Grace Campaign Council in support of the lawmaker’s re-election bid.
Obong Edidiong Ekong made the endorsement and handing over of his campaign Council last Saturday at an event attended by political leaders, party stakeholders, youths, women and supporters from across the federal constituency.
Speaking at the event, Obong Ekong said his decision to support the lawmaker was informed by his commitment to peace, unity and progress in Itu and Ibiono Ibom as well as being the party’s chosen candidate, stressing that politics should be about service.
He urged members of the God’s Grace Campaign Council to transfer their loyalty and commitment to the federal lawmaker’s campaign structure and work closely with his political organisation to contribute to the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 polls.
Ekong appreciated the director-general, coordinators, leaders and supporters of his campaign organisation for their loyalty and dedication throughout his political journey.
He charged them to remain united and avoid actions capable of creating divisions within the party, urging them instead to focus on strengthening the APC as a political party and supporting its candidates.
He also solicited support for President Bola Tinubu, Senator Aniekan Bassey, and other APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.
“Today, I have officially handed over my friends and relationships to Rt. Hon. Ime Bassey Okon.
“This decision is taken in the interest of peace and progress of our people. It is not an occasion of defeat. It is a moment of responsibility, maturity and reconciliation. I therefore hand over the God’s Grace Campaign structure to work with Rt. Hon. Ime Bassey Okon, and I urge the Federal Lawmaker to receive them and work with them.”
Responding, the Representative of Itu/ Ibiono Ibom in the House of Representatives , Okon commended Nelson for what he described as a demonstration of political maturity, foresight and commitment to the collective interest of the constituency.
He formally accepted the campaign structure and assured him and his supporters of his readiness to work with them, promising to provide opportunities for cooperation and inclusion in his political activities.
Okon also called on party members, leaders and stakeholders to unite in support of the APC and its candidates, saying he believed there was a purpose behind his return to the National Assembly.
He called for support for President Tinubu, Senator Aniekan Bassey, Hon. Moses Essien and Mr Emmanuel Udang, an engineer.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Hon. Kennedy Ekong, a lawyer, commended Obong Ekong for placing the collective interest of the constituency above personal political ambition.
He described the endorsement and handover of the campaign structure as symbolic and a historic moment in the political history of the federal constituency.
The Chairmen of Itu and Ibiono Ibom Local Government Areas, Hon. Ubong Nkutt and Hon. Asuakak Umoh, respectively, lauded Obong Ekong for the gesture, describing him as a “very sincere” politician.
They hoped that the development would further promote peace and cooperation among party members across the constituency.
Similarly, the APC chapter chairmen of the two local government areas ,praised Obong Ekong for his decision and commended the federal lawmaker for accepting the campaign structure and pledging to work with its members.
Speaking on behalf of the women, Mrs. Idongesit Ekpe pledged their support for the federal lawmaker’s re-election and the success of APC candidates in the 2027 elections.
Among the dignitaries at the event were the director-general, God’s Grace Campaign Organisation, Hon. Tony James; director-general of Itu/Ibiono Ibom Unity Project, Comrade Godwin Mbeke; deputy director-general of the Itu/Ibiono Ibom Unity Project, Prince Umo Ekop; Secretary of the campaign organisation, Mr . Dominic Udotan; vice chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Council, Hon. Mercy Obot; Mr. Aniefiok Iwaudofia, senior special assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Mobilisation; APC Chapter Chairman Itu ,Mr. Archibong Thomas and that of Ibiono Ibom , Comrade Ime Ikpong.
Others include Mr. Okopedi Usoro, APC Ward 4 Chairman, Ibiono Ibom , and Chairman of Ward Chairmen, APC, Ibiono Ibom , Mr Edet Ikotiedem, a lawyer ,a lawyer.
The rest were Hon. Mandu Eduese; Hon. Uwem Usua; Chief Bassey Obo-Aya, Mr Godwin Awah ,a lawyer; Hon. Bernard Ekpenyong, Hon. Emmanuel Abel,Hon. Akan Anana, Elder Effiong Ukpabio, Mr Nse Bassey ,an estate surveyor; Hon. Bassey Effiong, Comrade Inemesit Thomas, Prince Godwin Okon, Hon. Jacob Iboro, and Mr. Ofonime Otu, among others.
The event also attracted party leaders, political stakeholders, youth groups, women and other supporters from across the federal constituency.