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…Says Ediene Itak has suffered years of neglect, marginalisation
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Former National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Danielson Akpan, has joined the race for the Ikono State Constituency seat in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on the platform of the Labour Party (LP).
Speaking on Monday shortly after submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms, Akpan said his decision to contest was driven by what he described as the prolonged marginalisation and neglect of Ediene Itak within Ikono Local Government Area.
According to him, the area has remained politically sidelined despite existing zoning arrangements within the local government.
“My people are not only marginalised but completely abandoned,” he said, noting that residents of the area had continued to suffer neglect in terms of political representation and development.
Akpan explained that Ikono is divided into three geopolitical zones, Ikono South, Ikono Middle and Ediene Itak, stressing that major political offices are currently concentrated in Ikono South.
“You have the member representing the area in the House of Representatives from the same zone. You also have the House of Assembly member and the local government chairman from the same area. Ediene Itak is the only zone left without any political position,” he said.
He further alleged that there had been a prior understanding on rotational leadership within the local government, particularly regarding the House of Assembly seat and the local government chairmanship.
According to him, stakeholders from Ediene Itak had earlier agreed to support the incumbent lawmaker for a second term based on assurances that the seat would subsequently rotate to their zone.
He, however, expressed disappointment that the arrangement was allegedly not honoured.
“When it was time for the zoning arrangement to take effect, the people were told to allow the incumbent pursue another term. That has never been the practice, and my people rejected it,” he added.
Akpan also claimed that Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, during meetings with stakeholders ahead of the local government elections, agreed that the two positions would eventually rotate back to Ediene Itak by 2026 and 2027.
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Speaking on what he would bring differently if elected, the former student leader promised effective representation, people-oriented legislation and improved democratic dividends for constituents.
“What is most important in legislative business is quality legislation that directly impacts the people. My priority will be to represent the interests of the people and ensure that whatever belongs to them is attracted to the constituency,” he said.
Describing himself as “an activist and not a politician,” Akpan maintained that he would continue to champion positive legislation, effective representation and proper oversight functions if given the mandate.
He also described the Labour Party as a people-centred platform committed to promoting better opportunities and development for citizens.
Born in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Akpan is a graduate of Mass Communication from Nasarawa State University. He is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and a frontline activist with years of involvement in advocacy and human rights campaigns.
As former National President of NANS, he championed the anti-xenophobia campaign and was widely known for advocating the rights and welfare of Nigerian students across the country.
He was also vocal in opposing the administration of former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, over the non-payment of students’ scholarships and bursaries in the state. Beyond student-related issues, Akpan equally advocated for the rights of civil servants, particularly on the payment of gratuities and pensions.
Supporters of the aspirant described him as a grassroots activist deeply rooted in the struggle for justice and human rights, expressing confidence that he would provide effective and people-oriented representation if elected.
Reacting to his declaration, the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the Labour Party, Mrs. Freena Akpanusong, assured the aspirant of the party’s support.
The party leadership, after receiving the expression of interest and nomination forms, stated that Ikono State Constituency needed “a representative like Danielson Akpan” and pledged to stand by him throughout the process to ensure victory at the polls.
