By Emediong Sampson
The political landscape in Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency is witnessing a fresh wave of realignment as youths under the banner of the Atai-Uyo Progressive Youth Movement (APYM), Uruan Chapter, have pledged their total allegiance to House of Representatives hopeful, Mr. Ikakke Bassey, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The declaration came during a solidarity visit to Bassey at the State Headquarters of the Akwa Ibom Opposition Coalition, located at #40 Akwa Efak, off Udoudoma Avenue, Uyo. The youths, who said their decision was borne out of deep conviction, insisted they would follow the aspirant to any political platform he chooses to pursue his ambition.
According to the group, their support is not tied to party affiliation but to the person and vision of Ikakke Bassey, whom they described as a beacon of hope for a constituency long plagued by underdevelopment and youth unemployment.
*“Our Support Is for the Man, Not the Party” — APYM Leader*
Speaking during the visit, leader of the delegation, Otuekong Uwem Udoh, explained that the movement had closely monitored political developments and felt compelled to seek clarity directly from Bassey following news of his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“Sir, we are here because we heard that you have resigned from the ADC. We are convinced that whatever decision you have taken is in our interest. All we need to hear is your directive,” Udoh stated.
He added that the frustration among constituents had reached a tipping point, and the youths were no longer willing to gamble with their future. “Our people are tired of stagnation and we are fully ready to support you. As we speak, all our members who were members of the ADC have also resigned from the party. We are here to reiterate our unalloyed support to your aspiration and to assure you that we will follow you to wherever and whichever political party you join.”
*Ikakke Bassey: “No Party Crisis Can Stop a Liberation Movement”*
In his response, Mr. Ikakke Bassey, a human development expert and 2027 House of Representatives hopeful, thanked the youths for their solidarity and reaffirmed his commitment to the constituency’s liberation from what he termed “developmental stagnation and economic doldrum.”
He stressed that his political journey was never about party structures but about service delivery and measurable impact. According to him, the internal crisis within the ADC would not derail his mission to rescue his people.
“My focus is to salvage my people from the shackles of developmental stagnation and economic doldrum,” Bassey declared. “Our people keep complaining every year because of a total lack of social amenities. Unemployment keeps increasing because while our governments are not doing anything to provide jobs, our representatives are also doing nothing to train and equip our youths to attain the status of employability.”
*A Blueprint for Youth Empowerment and Job Creation*
Outlining his legislative agenda, Bassey said his cardinal plan is to bridge the gap between youth potential and industry requirements. He explained that within his first four years, if elected, he would initiate structured training programmes across various fields tailored to meet the employment standards of multinational companies operating in and outside Akwa Ibom State.
“I will also ensure that I use my office as the Honourable Member representing the Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency to secure suitable jobs for our trained youths,” he promised.
Beyond youth empowerment, the aspirant noted that his blueprint covers women, men, and school children through what he described as “very germane and people-oriented plans.” He maintained that such programmes are too critical to be scuttled by orchestrated political crises in any party.
*Why He Left the ADC*
Addressing his exit from the ADC, Bassey disclosed that the decision followed “wider consultation and careful consideration” with his team. He emphasized that no political party has the monopoly to stop a movement whose time has come.
“So, after a wider consultation and careful consideration, I and my team decided that we have to leave the ADC, and so we have left. It is our belief that no particular party can stop a liberation movement whose time has come,” he said.
*APYM Delegation Reaffirms Commitment*
The APYM delegation to the meeting included other key officers of the group. Among them were the Woman Leader, Uyai Emmanuel; Financial Secretary, Offiong Effiong Edet; and Secretary-General, Wisdom Boniface Edet, alongside other members who echoed the group’s resolution to stand firmly behind Bassey.
The youths maintained that their action was a clear signal that the 2027 contest in the federal constituency would be shaped more by credibility, track record, and people-focused agendas than by party colours.
As political consultations intensify across Akwa Ibom State, Bassey’s next move regarding party affiliation is expected to further reshape alignments in Uyo Federal Constituency. For now, his message is clear: the mission is about the people, and the people appear ready to move with him.
