…Chapter Chairman, 10 Ward Executives resign, cite loyalty to Ikakke Bassey, party crises
By Tony Sam
The entire executive structure of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area has resigned from the party to join the Labour Party, citing unresolved crises within the ADC and loyalty to House of Representatives hopeful, Mr. Ikakke Bassey.
Those who resigned include the Chapter Chairman, Mr. Nsikan Emmanuel Udo, members of his executive committee, and all ten Ward Chairmen with their respective ward executives. The move effectively dissolves the ADC’s grassroots structure in the LGA ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing members and stakeholders during a meeting held yesterday, the former ADC Chapter Chairman, Mr. Nsikan, said the mass defection followed the resignation of Mr. Ikakke Bassey from the ADC two weeks ago.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Mr. Nsikan said the decision was taken to preserve the group’s political interest ahead of the 2027 contest for the Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency seat.
“Our leader, Mr. Ikakke Bassey is the one who brought the ADC to Ibesikpo Asutan local government area. He’s also been the sole financier of the party”, Mr. Nsikan noted while explaining the rationale behind their decision to leave the party.
He said crises at the national and state levels of the ADC had made it difficult for members to continue pursuing their political aspirations on the platform. He added that Bassey’s exit was to secure a more stable vehicle for his legislative bid.
He continued “Today, you all know the problems and issues in the ADC both at the national and state levels, and why our leader decided to quit the party. Therefore, as his core and loyal supporters, we have to follow him to wherever he’s going to.
Besides, as we speak, he’s our sole candidate for the Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 national assembly election. We’re all aware of his lofty plans and programmes for all of us. His defection has brought an end to ADC in Ibesikpo Asutan hence, we all have to join the Labour Party en masse”.
Ikakke Bassey, who is seeking the Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, resigned from the ADC last week.
In his resignation letter to his Ward Chairman, Mr. Ikakke cited irreconcilable issues within the party and the need to pursue his 2027 National Assembly aspiration on a more cohesive platform.
A copy of the letter, sighted by our correspondent, stated:
“However, the lingering crises at the national level of the Party, coupled with the inability of the State leadership to present a coordinated front, and the persistent division in approach to critical issues, have made it increasingly difficult to pursue a united and effective political course. As someone committed to purposeful leadership and structured progress, I believe that a cohesive platform is essential to deliver meaningful representation to our people.
Consequently, I wish to inform my supporters, stakeholders, and the good people of Uyo Federal Constituency that I will be taking my ambition for the House of Representatives in 2027 to another political platform, which will be announced in due course. I urge you all to remain steadfast and resolute. Our journey is far from over, and together, we are certain to attain the Green Chambers in 2027.
Let me reaffirm that my vision remains unchanged and sacrosanct—Human Capacity Development through strategic legislation and effective representation that directly impacts on the provision of jobs, quality education, high-level skills/digital transformation, and enterprise development. This vision is bigger than any platform; it is a commitment to our people and the future we deserve”, noted Mr Ikakke in his letter resigning from the ADC.
With the Chapter Chairman, all 10 Ward Chairmen, and their executives now in the Labour Party, political observers say the ADC no longer has a functional structure in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA. The defectors said their move was based on following a leader whose blueprint for human capital development and job creation aligns with constituents’ aspirations.
The Labour Party in Akwa Ibom State is expected to formally receive the new members in the coming days as consultations continue ahead of 2027.
