A growing wave of resignations within the administration of Udung Uko Local Government Area has intensified political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, as agitation mounts for the emergence of Engr. Bobby Onofiok as Member representing Oron Federal Constituency.
In what observers describe as a significant political shift, three key aides to the Executive Chairman, Hon. Godwin Okponung, have stepped down from their respective positions within a space of two weeks, fueling speculation of deepening cracks within the local government leadership.
Those who have resigned include Prince Okon Edenseting, who served as Chief of Staff to the Chairman; Comrade Dominic Antai, Special Assistant on Environment and Secretary of the Sanitation and Waste Management Committee; and Mr. Ernest Bassey Oyonumoh, Senior Special Assistant on Power and Energy.
The resignation of Prince Edenseting, dated March 25, 2026, was particularly instructive, as it hinted at underlying political tensions.
In a carefully worded letter, he noted that “even loyalty can sometimes be misinterpreted as ambition,” adding that his decision to step aside was to ensure that his “openly declared support” for a House of Representatives aspiration would not create “avoidable complications” for the administration.
Similarly, Comrade Antai, in his April 1, 2026 resignation letter, cited “personal conviction,” while Mr. Oyonumoh, who resigned on April 6, 2026, pointed to his inability to effectively discharge his duties despite his professional experience, raising concerns about internal administrative challenges.
However, findings by WatchmanPost indicate that the resignations are closely tied to the rising political momentum in Udung Uko in support of Engr. Bobby Onofiok’s aspiration to represent Oron Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Across Udung Uko and indeed Oro Nation generally, there has been sustained agitation for the zoning of the federal seat to the area, with many stakeholders arguing that equity demands such a shift.
The position is currently occupied by Hon. Martins Esin from Oron Local Government Area, which also produces the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi.
The two offices are the most prominent political seats in Oro Nation.
Proponents of the zoning arrangement insist that allowing Udung Uko to produce the next House of Representatives member would ensure balance and fairness within the federal constituency.
Amid this agitation, the stance of the Udung Uko Council Chairman has drawn criticism. At a recent stakeholders’ meeting, Hon. Okponung reportedly dismissed claims that there was a unified demand from Udung Uko people for the House of Representatives seat.
Instead, he is said to have engaged the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Martins Esin, in discussions for a “way forward,” a move that did not sit well with many political observers.
Further investigations revealed the existence of a political understanding between the Chairman and the incumbent lawmaker, under which Hon. Okponung may support Hon. Esin’s re-election bid, with an alleged arrangement for a succession plan in 2031.
Though unconfirmed officially, the reported deal has sparked discontent among political actors within the chairman’s circle.
The stakeholder referred our reporter to a closed-door meeting yesterday, Tuesday, 7 April, 2026, between MP Martins Esin and Mr Okponung in the latter’s Shelter Afrique residence in Uyo.
We also gathered that plans have been concluded to cause the endorsement of Reps Martins Esin by the stakeholders of Udung Uko in order to forestall the chances of Bobby Onofiok.
An anonymous insider, speaking to WatchmanPost on Tuesday, strongly condemned the development, describing it as a betrayal of the collective interest of Udung Uko people.
“This was a golden opportunity for Udung Uko to unite and support one of our own, but the chairman chose a different path.
“It is deeply disappointing. The people are ready for change, and no personal arrangement should override the collective aspiration of the land,” the source said.
Another insider who also spoke with WatchmanPost on confidential grounds, further revealed that the recent resignations were strategic, aimed at freeing the affected aides to actively support Engr. Onofiok’s aspiration without political encumbrance.
“What you are seeing now is just the beginning. More resignations are coming. Many of us believe in this project and are ready to stand with our people,” the source added.
Engr. Bobby Onofiok’s political profile has continued to rise in recent months, especially following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move he made as far back as 24 May, 2025, positioning himself early as a frontline contender and signaling his readiness to pursue the 2027 ambition.
Recall that his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took place in his hometown, Ward 2, Udung Uko Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Political analysts say the convergence of grassroots support, internal dissent within the local government, and strategic political alignment may significantly boost Onofiok’s chances in the coming contest.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, Udung Uko appears set to remain a focal point in the broader political dynamics of Oron Federal Constituency, with the unfolding developments likely to shape the trajectory of the race in the months ahead.
