“I came into politics out of conviction—an unshakable belief that people are the greatest asset of any society, and that when they are empowered with the right skills, opportunities, and environment, prosperity becomes inevitable” – Ikakke Bassey
By Ime Silas
A frontline national assembly hopeful for Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency in next year’s election; Mr Ikakke Bassey has revealed why he joined politics, noting that his political aspiration aimed at building a system that worked for his people.
In a widely circulated statement he personally signed, a copy of which was obtained by our paper, the Ibesikpo Asutan-born Human Development expert maintained that Uyo Federal Constituency could be better if the right people were elected to represent them at different levels of leadership.
“I did not come into politics by accident, nor out of convenience”, Ikakke noted, adding that “I came into politics out of conviction—an unshakable belief that people are the greatest asset of any society, and that when they are empowered with the right skills, opportunities, and environment, prosperity becomes inevitable”.
Ikakke Bassey who recently resigned from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, citing unresolved crisis at both the state and national levels of the party, had also noted that his ambition was too big and important to be truncated by partisan issues.
In the statement tagged “Why I am in politics”, the spokesman of the 2023 Labour Party Governorship Campaign Council stressed with proper capacity building, the people Uyo Federal Constituency could harness their potentials.
He continued “As a Human Capital Developer, I have seen firsthand that sustainable economic growth does not begin with oil, infrastructure, or policies alone—it begins with people. It begins with their capacity to think, to create, to work, and to build. Unfortunately, in Uyo Federal Constituency and across the State (Akwa Ibom) and nation, too many capable people remain trapped in a system that does not fully harness their potential. This is not because they lack talent or ambition, but because the structures around them have failed to support their growth. That is why I am in politics”.
Expressing his understanding of politics as a means through which people’s problems were solved, Ikakke said his commitment was anchored on clear priorities of jobs creation through skills and enterprise in order to achieve a sustainable result.
According to him: “I believe politics should not be about power for its own sake; it should be about solving real problems. It should be about creating pathways to dignity through work, fostering enterprise, and delivering measurable results that improve everyday life. My commitment is anchored on four clear priorities: Jobs, Skills, Enterprise, and Results.
Jobs—because every young person deserves a fair opportunity to earn a living and build a future.
Skills—because empowerment without capacity is unsustainable.
Enterprise—because small businesses and innovation are the engines of economic growth.
Results—because leadership must be accountable, measurable, and impactful.
I am running for the House of Representatives for Uyo Federal Constituency in 2027 because I believe we can do better—and we must do better. I envision a constituency where our youths are not defined by unemployment but by productivity; where our women are not limited by barriers but empowered as economic drivers; where governance is not distant but responsive and transparent.
“This is not just a political ambition; it is a mission to build a system that works for our people. A system that prioritizes human capital, unlocks opportunities, and delivers tangible progress.
I am in politics because I believe in people. And when people win, our constituency wins”.
