Ahead of APC nomination exercise, a former Chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government Area, Dr. David Umoessien, has withdrawn from the race for the Ukanafun/ Oruk Anam federal Constituency seat in 2027.
Speaking at an Ukanafun/Oruk Anam stakeholders’ meeting, Dr. David Umoessien, former APC Deputy Chairman in the state emphasized the need for unity among party members announced his withdrawal from the race urging aspirants and their supporters to set aside differences and work collectively for electoral success
At the meeting, stakeholders unanimously endorsed Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem as their consensus candidate, setting the tone for what observers describe as an early consolidation of political strength within the constituency.
Rising from the meeting, the stakeholders passed a unanimous vote of confidence in Rt. Hon. Idem, applauding what they described as a “superlative performance” marked by impactful projects, widespread empowerment programmes, and strategic facilitation of opportunities for constituents. They noted that his track record has not only transformed the constituency but also set a benchmark for legislative representation across Nigeria.
The motion for endorsement was formally moved by Rt. Hon. Udo Kieran Akpan, Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, and seconded by Rt. Hon. Saturday Akpan, a former member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. It was subsequently adopted through a resounding voice vote by all stakeholders present.
In a broader political alignment, the stakeholders also declared their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno for re-election in 2027, pledging to deliver overwhelming votes for the APC across the federal constituency.
Responding, Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem expressed deep appreciation to the stakeholders for their continued trust and support, describing the endorsement as both humbling and motivating. He reiterated his commitment to consolidating on existing gains and expanding development initiatives across the constituency.
“This mandate is not about me alone,” he said. “It is about sustaining the progress we have collectively built and ensuring that every community benefits from purposeful representation.”
He highlighted key achievements of his tenure, including extensive empowerment programmes, local and international scholarship opportunities, facilitation of federal employment, and the donation of 25 units of 500kVA transformers, which have significantly improved electricity supply in the area. He also reaffirmed plans to connect all remaining communities to the national grid.
Formally declaring his intention to seek re-election into the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Idem stated that his ambition aligns with the broader development frameworks of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu and the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno.
As part of efforts to strengthen internal cohesion within the APC, he announced the constitution of a nine-member reconciliatory committee tasked with resolving grievances and uniting all factions of the party ahead of the primaries. The committee is chaired by Deacon Ndianabasi Udom, with Dr. Paul Udofia serving as Secretary, alongside other prominent party figures.
The meeting witnessed the presence of a wide array of political heavyweights, including serving and former lawmakers, commissioners, local government chairmen, party executives, technocrats, and community leaders—underscoring the broad-based support backing the endorsement.
Political analysts say the development signals a strategic advantage for the APC in Ukanafun/Oruk Anam, positioning the party for a potentially dominant outing in the 2027 elections, provided the current momentum and unity are sustained.
