The All Progressives Congress (APC) Stakeholders Forum in Ekeya Ward, Okobo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has distanced itself from a widely circulated social media report claiming that the ward had endorsed the incumbent lawmaker representing Okobo State Constituency, Bassey Pius Bassey, for a second term.
In a strongly worded disclaimer issued on April 13, 2026, and signed by the forum’s chairman, Pius C. Bassey, the group described the publication as “false, misleading and a misrepresentation” of the collective will of stakeholders in the ward.
“The general public is urged to disregard same,” the statement read, emphasising that no such endorsement had been discussed or approved by the recognised stakeholders’ body.
The forum noted that while political consultations ahead of the 2027 elections are ongoing across Nigeria, Ekeya Ward remains committed to due process and collective decision-making.
It stressed that stakeholders in the ward are individuals of “proven integrity who cannot be dragged into the mud due to desperation and selfishness.”
Addressing the origin of the controversy, the forum acknowledged that a former lawmaker, Efefiong Antigha, had publicly expressed support for the incumbent.
However, the Forum clarified that such a move was a personal decision and not reflective of the ward’s position.
“Hon. Efefiong Antigha is within his constitutional right as an individual to endorse whosoever he wishes,” the statement said, adding pointedly, “that purported endorsement does not in any way represent the collective will of Ekeya Stakeholders Forum.”
The Forum further questioned the circumstances surrounding the alleged endorsement event, suggesting it was merely a casual gathering rather than a formal political decision-making platform.
According to the statement, the meeting in question was a “refreshment sit-out” hosted by the Chairman of Okobo Local Government Council, George Henshaw, following his return from a land dispute resolution exercise.
“It is surprising how such an unceremonial gathering turned out to be an endorsement by the entire stakeholders of Ekeya Ward,” the statement noted, describing the claim as “an act of desperation.”
The stakeholders also alleged that inducements may have influenced perceptions at informal gatherings. “One then wonders how a cooler of meat, drinks and other edibles could cause a reasonable man to speak and act in a manner that speaks low of his person,” the statement remarked.
Reaffirming its position, the forum outlined several key points, including that the incumbent lawmaker has not formally consulted Ekeya Ward stakeholders regarding his second-term ambition and that no endorsement has been granted at any level within the ward or from his own political base.
“If charity should begin from home, one would expect such endorsement from his own ward first,” the statement added.
The group reiterated its commitment to unity and progress within the APC, warning against attempts by “any desperate individual, aspirant or group” to exploit the stakeholders’ forum for personal political gain.
