DISAFFECTION MOUNTS IN A’IBOM SOUTH AS UDOM EMMANUEL EYES 2027 SENATORIAL TICKET

By Uwakmfon John

Tensions are rising across Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District as reports emerge that former Governor Udom Emmanuel is positioning himself to contest the senatorial seat in the 2027 elections.

The announcement has ignited a wave of dissent and animosity within the district, which comprises 12 Local Government Areas (LGAs) split into three distinct Federal Constituencies: Eket/ONNA/Esit Eket/Ibeno, Mkpat Enin/Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo, and Oron/Udung Uko/Urueoffong Oruko/Mbo/Okobo.

Critics argue that Udom Emmanuel’s ambition threatens to disrupt the fragile political balance and unity within the district.

Many residents are raising concerns over his non-palatable legacies, particularly his controversial role in the contentious remapping exercise and the state traditional rulers conflicts he created during his tenure as Governor.

This remapping allegedly led to violent disputes, displacements, and avoidable loss of lives, further polarizing communities that were already grappling with socio-political and economic inequalities.

A Legacy of Discord and Marginalization

Stakeholders in the district have not forgotten what they describe as Mr. Udom Emmanuel’s failure to unite the district and his success in fanning the amber of disunity during his time in office. His administration is accused of favouring his hometown, Awa in ONNA, within the Eket/ONNA/Esit Eket/Ibeno Federal Constituency, neglecting the equally critical needs of the remaining LGAs as well as Mkpat Enin/Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo and Oron Nation blocs. The Oron bloc, in particular, has repeatedly lamented its historical marginalization and the lack of infrastructural development in its LGAs despite their significant contributions to the state’s economy, especially in the maritime and oil sectors.

A political Analyst, Etim Etim, said “This senatorial ambition is another attempt to consolidate power within a particular axis of Akwa Ibom South. The district needs a representative who will unify and address the collective interests of all Federal Constituencies, not someone who has been complicit in fostering division.”

Cries of Injustice and War Drums of Hatred

Udom Emmanuel’s candidacy has reignited simmering tensions within communities, with many describing it as a step backward in the district’s quest for equity and inclusion. His perceived role in the “erroneous remapping” of the state has left deep scars, with accusations that his actions prioritized personal and political gains over the well-being of affected communities.

The remapping disputes led to clashes that devastated several communities, resulting in loss of lives and properties. Survivors of these conflicts, alongside advocacy groups, have accused Emmanuel of failing to take responsibility for the aftermath, leaving affected areas to rebuild themselves without adequate government intervention.

Speaking, Elder Ephraim Akpan, a community leader from Mkpat Enin, said, “This isn’t just about politics; it’s about justice for those who were displaced and ignored under his leadership. His ambition is a painful reminder of the lives lost and the communities fractured.”

Calls for Equitable Representation

Political leaders and opinion shapers across the district are calling for a broader conversation about equitable representation in Akwa Ibom South. Many argue that the senatorial seat should rotate among the three Federal Constituencies to ensure fair representation and prevent the concentration of power in one bloc.

“The people of Mkpat Enin/Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo and Oron Nation have consistently been sidelined,” says an elder statesman from Ikot Abasi. “It is high time the principle of zoning is respected. Allowing Emmanuel to contest would not only violate this principle but also deepen existing animosities within the district.”

A Divisive Road Ahead

As the 2027 elections approach, Emmanuel’s ambition appears to have set the stage for a contentious battle within Akwa Ibom South. His candidacy, many fear, could undo years of efforts to foster peace and mutual respect among the Federal Constituencies, paving the way for renewed political hostility and discord.

“The people deserve a senator who will fight for the collective good of Akwa Ibom South, not someone whose political legacy is riddled with controversy and exclusion,” says a youth activist from Urueoffong Oruko.

For now, the district remains deeply divided. As conversations intensify, one thing is clear: Udom Emmanuel’s aspiration has rekindled unresolved issues that will undoubtedly shape the narrative heading into 2027. Whether these fractures will heal or deepen remains to be seen.