By Ekanem Iniko
UYO — The push for the 2027 general elections gathered serious momentum in Uyo Federal Constituency on Friday as commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as “Okada,” and stakeholders from Ward 5 staged a massive show of support for Labour Party candidate, Mr. Ikakke Bassey.
The endorsement meeting, held at Afaha Udoeyop village, drew hundreds of youths, motorcycle riders, and community leaders who maintained that they were tired of “politics as usual” and wanted a representative with a proven track record of service.
Leading the delegation of motorcycle riders, Mr. Bassey Jimmy said the Bikemen have resolved to throw their full weight behind the LP candidate because of his accessibility and commitment to grassroots empowerment.
“We, the Motorcycle Riders of Ward 5 and across Uyo Federal Constituency, have sat down and we have agreed that come 2027, we must vote for Mr. Ikakke Bassey of the Labour Party for the federal House of Representatives,” Mr. Jimmy declared to loud cheers.
He added: “We are asking you, sir, not to forget us when you eventually get to the House. We need someone who will remember the people on the streets, the people who hustle daily to feed their families.”
The endorsement was not limited to the riders. Youth leaders in the area also pledged their bloc votes to Mr. Bassey, citing a shift in political thinking among young people in the constituency.
Speaking on behalf of the youths of Afaha Udoeyop village, Mr. Emmanuel Hanson assured the national assembly hopeful of total support, saying the era of voting based on party loyalty alone was over.
“The youths are no more doing Party but working with individuals with capacity and proven track record,” Mr. Hanson said, adding that “We are assuring you of hundred percent votes. We want someone we can assess at any time, someone who will answer our calls and solve our problems.”
He noted that poverty and unemployment have hit young people and women hardest in the last few years, and that the constituency needs “a new energy in Abuja.”
In his response, Mr. Ikakke Bassey thanked the crowd for the overwhelming turnout and unveiled the pillars of his campaign agenda. He said his focus, if elected, would be centered on what he called “Jobs, Skills, Enterprise and Results” across all the 42 Wards of Uyo Federal Constituency.
“I have gone round and I have seen poverty and starvation among our youths and our women,” Bassey noted.
“It is painful. This is not what representation should look like. The incumbent has not done enough to salvage the people from poverty and misrule.”
He promised to prioritize vocational training for riders and artisans, small business grants for women, and direct constituency engagement offices in every ward. According to him, representation must move beyond Abuja speeches to tangible impact at the grassroots.
“We will build an office where you can walk in and be heard. What you’re doing now, though it puts food on your tables, should not be a permanent trade. We’ll collaborate with your leadership with a view to coming up with better and sustainable alternatives that will still put food on your tables, while guaranteeing your safety and your futures,” he told the Bikemen.
“We will work with you to create jobs through skills, support enterprise, and we will deliver results that you can see in your communities.”
Political observers at the event described the turnout as one of the largest early mobilizations ahead of 2027 in the constituency. Ward 5, known for its large population of commercial riders and young voters, is considered a key battleground in Uyo Federal Constituency elections.
One of the highlights of the consultation was a display of solidarity which featured the Bikemen rode in convoy through major streets in Ward 5 chanting solidarity songs for the LP candidate, a clear signal that early campaigns for 2027 are already shaping voter alignment in Akwa Ibom’s capital.
With unemployment and economic hardship topping voter concerns, stakeholders say the 2027 race in Uyo will likely be determined by candidates who can connect directly with grassroots groups and youth networks.
The Consultation was accompanied by the Labour Party State Secretary, Obong Elder Unwana Isaiah, State Youth Leader, Pastor Outekong Uwem Udoh and the Deputy State Chairman, Mr. Anthony Ekong Carls.
Others were the State Coordinator for Non-indigenes, Mr. Ikenna C, Eket Federal Constituency Candidate Mrs. Pauline Amos, Deputy State Youth Leader, Uyo Senatorial District, Comrade Mmenyene Peter amongst other Party Stakeholders.
