By Rosaline Etuk
The Atai-Uyo Progressives Youth Movement (APYM), a socio-political platform representing youths from Uyo, Uruan, Nsit Atai, and Ibesikpo Asutan local government areas, has endorsed Ikakke Bassey as their preferred candidate for the 2027 Federal Constituency seat.
In a statement signed by APYM’s National President, Engr. Sampson Okono, and Secretary-General, Barr Rose Ekanem, the group expressed frustration with the constituency’s lack of progress, citing poor representation as the main cause.
“Over the years, we’ve been allowing others to appoint for us with its attendant socio-political repercussions. This time, we will elect one of us to represent us,” the statement read.
“Since the return of democracy in 1999, we have had different people on different political platforms represent our federal constituency at various dispensations. There’s no gainsaying the fact that most, if not all of the representatives never had the interests of our people at heart, hence their ineffectiveness”, the group further stated.
APYM praised Bassey’s humanitarian work and people-centric approach, saying he’s the best fit for the job. They also thanked the Democratic Freedom Front (DFF) for endorsing Bassey’s candidacy.
“As next election beckons, we don’t have any excuse not to get involved with a view to ensuring that the man who has our collective interests, is voted to represent us at the National Assembly.
It is on this premise that we wish to express our sincere gratitude to the leadership of the Democratic Freedom Front, DFF, Ibesikpo Asutan chapter, who, last week, threw its weight behind our very own, Mr Ikakke Bassey’s aspiration to represent our federal constituency at the National Assembly.
“We have followed keenly his humanitarian services and people-centric dispositions. We have come to the conclusion that he has the interest of our people at heart,” the group stated.
Bassey, a philanthropist and entrepreneur from Ibesikpo Asutan, is expected to announce his candidacy soon. APYM vowed to support and work for his victory in 2027.
