…declares stance against State government’s intimidation, suppression
By Ekanem Iniko
Labour Party’s 2027 governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State, Akparawa Michael Bush, has declared that his party will not tolerate any form of intimidation or suppression of dissent, saying “intimidation always fails” and will have no place under a Labour administration from 2027 to 2031.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in Uyo, Bush said the Labour Party in Akwa Ibom “aligns totally” with what he described as the Akwaibomights at this critical moment in the state’s political history. He stressed that the party stands firmly against oppression, brute force, and what he called the “shameless display” of power to silence citizens.
“Labour Party, Akwa Ibom State aligns totally with Akwaibomights at moments like now against oppression, against intimidation and against all such forms of shameless display of brute force,” Bush stated.
The governorship hopeful specifically referenced recent developments involving Princess God’s own Udoito and Barr. Ewa Okpo, saying the party’s position applies to them and to “indeed any other citizen.”
According to him, Labour Party “sides completely with the people now and always,” irrespective of status, political affiliation, or the pressures of the moment.
Bush went further to condemn what he termed a “very unAkwaibomly new tendency of trying to muscle drop dissent.” He argued that such conduct runs contrary to the values of Akwa Ibom people, who he said have historically defended the right to free expression and peaceful engagement.
“Perpetrators who, no matter their trademark attempts at euphemising nonsense, are at best fading outgoing power holders, must realize that this stratagem never wins,” he added.
Drawing a sharp contrast between Akwa Ibom and authoritarian models, the Labour candidate insisted that citizens must be allowed to live and speak freely.
“Our people MUST be allowed to live and speak freely because Akwa Ibom is not a state in North Korea,” Bush said, a line that has since drawn attention across political circles in the state.
In a personal reflection, Bush noted that he has chosen not to respond with force or reprisals despite attacks against him. He maintained that even “paid hirelings of the establishment” have been allowed to make allegations against him without retaliation. He then questioned why those same political actors cannot extend similar tolerance to ordinary citizens who speak truth to power.
“If on an individual level, I have continued and shall continue to allow even paid hirelings of the establishment to get away with any and every lie they spew against me, why is it so difficult for their paymasters and own collaborators to allow our people to speak truth to power in peace?” he queried.
The governorship hopeful also used the release to outline what a Labour Party government would prioritize with respect to civil liberties. He hinted that the party’s promise for the 2027 to 2031 tenure is clear and non-negotiable: “no intimidation, no suppression.”
Political observers note that the reference to Princess Udoito and Barr. Ewa Okpo signals Labour Party’s intent to position itself as a defender of oppressed voices.
It could be recalled that Princess God’sown Udoito from Esit Eket who has so far spent months in detention, was arrested on the prompting of the Governor (Pastor) Umo Eno-led administration of Akwa Ibom State over defamation charges.
On Tuesday, the State Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Barr. Ewa Okpo was also arrested reportedly on alleged defamation.
Recall also that the State’s Spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress, ADC; Barr. Markfred Ekpe was months ago, declared wanted on allegation of defamatory publications ostensibly against the person and government of Governor (Pastor) Umo Eno.
Civil society actors in Uyo and Eket have in recent months raised concerns over shrinking civic space, with calls for political actors to guarantee freedom of association and expression ahead of the next election cycle. Bush’s declaration appears tailored to tap into those sentiments.
As the countdown to 2027 begins, Bush’s message sets an early marker for the kind of administration he says Akwa Ibom residents should expect under Labour Party: one that, in his words, will reject intimidation and protect the right of every citizen to speak without fear.
