A major political realignment took place in Oku Iboku, Itu-OMA, Itu Local Government Area, as the Chief Executive Officer of Basse Engineering Ltd, Engr. Bassey Ekanem, and the Personal Assistant to the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Protocol, Mr. Bassey Archibong, spearheaded the defection of prominent former stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The official welcoming event, held at the APC Secretariat in Oku Iboku Ward 1 on Friday, drew a significant gathering of party stalwarts and leaders from Itu Local Government and beyond. Mr. Bernard Ekanem, Chairman of APC in Oku Iboku Ward 1, formally received the newcomers by presenting them with the party emblem—a broom—and decorating them with APC sashes in a symbolic gesture of acceptance.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Engr. Bassey Ekanem described his move as both a homecoming and a conscious decision to align with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda. He pledged unwavering loyalty to the APC and voiced his support for the re-election bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno, as well as every APC candidate. “I was part of the foundation of APC in this area before my temporary move to the PDP. I have returned to join forces and help build a stronger, united front for progress,” Ekanem declared.
Adding to the spirit of the occasion, Mr. Bassey Archibong announced plans to equip the Oku Iboku Ward APC Secretariat with chairs, tables and other essential furnishings, underscoring his commitment to strengthening the party at the grassroots.
Engr. Emmanuel Udang, chairman of the reception planning committee, explained that the movement was motivated by loyalty to Governor Umo Eno, who had joined the APC in June.
Senior figures including the Uyo Senatorial District Chairman of the APC, Obong Godwin Akpan; State Officer Mr. Owoidoho Anana; and Itu Chapter Chairman Mr. Andem Andem, all delivered goodwill messages, congratulating the new members and encouraging steadfast commitment to the party’s values.
The move saw the inclusion of other notable political figures such as Dr. Bassey Okon, former Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport; Deaconess Elsie Esara, Honourary Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Mobilisation; and Hon. Emem Ekpanya, immediate past Vice Chairman of Itu LGA.
Others joining the APC included Deacon Richard Antia (Ward Personal Assistant to the Governor), Hon. Samuel Inyang (Deputy Leader, Itu Legislative Council), Mr. Anthony Akan (Supervisor for Works), Mr. Daniel Archibong (former supervisor in Itu and Special Assistant to Itu Local Government Chairman on Chieftaincy and Boundary Matters), Engr. Bobby Ekanem, Mr. Effiong Davies, Dr. Ukeme Udo, Mr. Felix Edem, Pastor Fortune Umoh, Mr. Solomon Ekpa, Mr. Ekong Dan, Mr. Victor Archibong, among several others.
Celebrations erupted at the Oku Iboku Secretariat as members hailed what many described as a “new dawn” for the APC in the area.
