…continues consultations across constituency
By Our Correspondent
The 2027 political conversation in Abak State Constituency took a new turn over the weekend as Labour Party House of Assembly hopeful, Dr. Nsisong Ekong, held wide consultations with Ibagwa Community and Midim Clan, drawing what he described as a “massive, historic, and deeply humbling” turnout.
In a press statement issued after the engagements, Ekong said the meetings were not conventional political gatherings, but a direct conversation with the people on the kind of representation Abak deserves.
“In Ibagwa, the atmosphere was electric. Our youths, our women, our unit leaders and elders came out in large numbers. Not because of politics as usual, but because we all agree: leadership must be accessible, accountable, and rooted in the people,” Ekong stated.
According to him, the reception across both communities reflected a growing demand for a new legislative approach, one that prioritizes service delivery over rhetoric. He noted that residents turned out in spite of the weekend activities, signaling what he called a shift in political consciousness within the constituency.
The consultations in Midim Clan were more structured. Ekong said he sat with elders and key stakeholders to present his blueprint for the constituency. The plan, he explained, is anchored on three pillars: qualitative representation, structural development, and community-driven progress under the platform of the Labour Party.
“But what touched me most was the energy I saw, especially from the youths, men, and women – the people of utmost importance,” he said.
Community leaders at both venues reportedly pledged their “unalloyed support” to Ekong’s candidacy, a development the House of Assembly hopeful described as both an honor and a responsibility.
“I thank the leaders of Ibagwa and Midim for pledging their unalloyed support. I thank you for trusting me with your mandate,” Ekong stated, maintaining that “This is not my movement alone. This is our movement.”
He formally branded the effort the NsisongIkanAbasi 2027 movement, framing it as a partnership-driven initiative rather than a traditional political campaign.
“A movement of partnership, not politics,” he emphasized. “With your support, we will deliver Abak State Constituency. And together, we will rewrite the legislative narrative of our people.”
Grassroots mobilizers in the areas while speaking with our correspondent said the weekend consultations were significant given the role Ibagwa Community and Midim Clan play in the voting bloc of Abak State Constituency. Both areas are known for high voter turnout and for influencing opinions across the LGA’s 10 wards.
The early mobilization by the LP Candidate’s team also highlighted the fact that the race for the Abak seat in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly is already gathering momentum, months ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ekong, who holds a Doctorate Degree, is contesting on the Labour Party ticket. He has in previous engagements positioned himself as a candidate focused on grassroots development, youth empowerment, and legislative accountability.
Political stalwarts who attended the Ibagwa meeting told this newspaper that the turnout was driven by frustration with what they described as ” ineffective and distant representation” in past years.
Many of the youths at the gathering said they were looking for a lawmaker who would be present in the community and open to direct feedback.
In Midim, elders stressed the need for infrastructure, skills training, and stronger collaboration between the legislature and traditional institutions.
Ekong in his response reiterated his commitment to a constituency office that will function year-round, not just during election periods.
The Labour Party has been seeking to expand its footprint in Akwa Ibom, and Abak is considered one of the key battleground constituencies in the state.
As the NsisongIkanAbasi 2027 movement begins to take shape, Ekong said the focus will remain on listening first and legislating second.
“Leadership must come down to the people,” he concluded in the statement. “That is the only way we can build Abak together.”
With endorsements now secured from two major blocs in the constituency, attention will likely shift to how the campaign translates this early goodwill into structure, policy proposals, and voter mobilization across Abak in the months ahead.
