“…let’s see this as the beginning of a new journey…” – NDC NASS hopeful
By Ime Silas
IKOT ABASI — There was wild jubilation across Ikot Abasi Constituency at the weekend following the publication of the final list of candidates for the 2027 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, which confirmed Engr. Ubong Idemudo as a candidate for the House of Representatives.
The list, which was released by INEC and signed by its Secretary, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, cleared Idemudo to contest for the Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo Federal Constituency seat on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, sparking celebrations in Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo Local Government Areas.
In Ikot Abasi town, supporters of the International Oil and Gas expert trooped to the streets, chanting solidarity songs and describing Idemudo’s clearance as a victory for grassroots democracy and people-centred representation. Similar scenes were witnessed in Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo where youth groups, women associations and elders said his emergence on the final list has rekindled hope for effective representation.
Speaking with newsmen, a youth leader in Ikot Abasi, Comrade Etim Asuquo, said the constituency has been waiting for a candidate with proven capacity and connection to the people.
“We are happy that INEC has finally confirmed what we already know. Prince Idemudo is the choice of the people. He is a man who understands our pains, our needs and our aspirations. Today, Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency is rejoicing because our hope for 2027 is alive,” he said.
A women leader from Eastern Obolo, Mrs. Grace Douglas, said Idemudo’s inclusion in the final list was a reward for years of selfless service to the constituency.
“Idemudo has always stood with the people, especially women and the vulnerable. He has empowered our women, supported our children in school and never turned his back on us. His making the final list is God’s answer to our prayers,” she said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of a support group, Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency Liberation Movement, (IFCLM), Mr. Sunday Ibikpa, said the jubilation is a reflection of the general acceptance Idemudo enjoys across party lines.
“This is not just about a party, it is about a person. From the fishing and oil-producing communities in Eastern Obolo and the commercial centers in Ikot Abasi and Mkpat Enin, Idemudo is loved. That is why you see people celebrating without being mobilized. The people see him as one of them,” he said.
In his reaction, Engr. Idemudo while interacting with our Correspondent, expressed gratitude to INEC, his party, and the people of the federal constituency for their unwavering support, promising not to let them down.
“I am deeply humbled by the love and confidence shown by my people. Making INEC’s final list is not just a personal victory but a collective victory for every constituent who believes in purposeful representation. I want to assure them that I will not disappoint,” Idemudo said.
He added, “Our federal constituency has suffered neglect for too long. Our time has come to change the narrative through quality legislation, youth empowerment, women inclusion, and infrastructural development. This is a social contract, and I am ready to deliver.”
Idemudo further called for unity among all stakeholders in the federal constituency, noting that the task ahead requires collective effort.
“Let us see this as the beginning of a new journey. I extend my hand of fellowship to everyone, including my co-contestants. Let us work together to build the Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency of our dreams,” he concluded.
Our Correspondent gathered that the inclusion of Idemudo in INEC’s final list is very likely to significantly alter the dynamics of the 2027 race in Ikot Abasi federal constituency, with many tipping him as a front-runner given his grassroots appeal and extensive philanthropic record.
With INEC’s final list now published, campaigns are expected to intensify in the coming weeks across the three local government areas that make up the federal constituency.