Minister Says Government Will Use Its Power for APC Wins in Akwa Ibom Elections

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo, has said that the federal, state, and local governments will work together to ensure big wins for the APC in Akwa Ibom State. This statement raises concerns about whether public institutions can remain neutral before the 2027 elections.

Mr Ekpo made this statement at a political rally in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He was there to introduce the APC candidate for the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly constituency.

“This State Constituency, this Federal Constituency, this Senatorial District, this Akwa Ibom State is going to be 100 over 100. I can tell you that as a federal minister,” he told the crowd.

“We will bring federal might and join with state might and join with local government might and make sure the people of this local government, whether you like that blessing, that blessing will come to you. A man of peace is on the throne.”

The minister did not explain what he meant by combining the powers of the three levels of government or how this would happen.

His comments raise longstanding worries about using government power and public resources to influence elections in Nigeria. Terms like “federal might” often create doubts about possible interference in the election process.

In Nigeria’s democracy, elections should be fair for all political parties and candidates. Public institutions need to operate within the law and not support the party in power.

Mr Ekpo’s spokesperson, Louis Ibah, did not reply to a media inquiry sent on WhatsApp on Friday, even after reading the message. A reminder sent on Saturday morning and a phone call also went unanswered.

In the inquiry, PREMIUM TIMES asked Mr Ibah to explain what the minister meant by combining federal, state, and local government power in the election. They also wanted to know how this declaration fits with democratic competition and the neutrality of public institutions.

There was no response by the time this report was filed.

Mr Ekpo’s comments come amid worries about political leaders making statements that seem to predict election results before the voters have had their say.

In September, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Emmanuel Enoidem, a member of the APC in Akwa Ibom and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said that a federal lawmaker, Clement Jimbo, would be returned to the House of Representatives in 2027, “whether you like it or not.”

Mr Enoidem made these comments while asking for support for Mr Jimbo, who represents Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency. Some people in the audience reportedly turned down his request.

Mr Enoidem later told PREMIUM TIMES that his comments were meant for APC members, arguing that party members should support their candidates. He also accepted that voters have the right to pick their own candidates freely.

Mr Ekpo’s statement is making waves in Akwa Ibom. It raises questions about whether the government can be used to affect the elections in 2027.

What Mr Ekpo said is especially important because he is a federal minister. He pointed out that he speaks from his position while openly suggesting the use of federal power to secure an electoral win.

While political parties can campaign for wins, using public office or government resources to give one party an unfair edge raises major issues about electoral fairness.

Nigeria’s constitution allows citizens to take part in government, and the Electoral Act lays out the rules for elections. The credibility of the process relies on voters being able to make their choices freely, without pressure or interference.

Mr Ekpo did not directly threaten violence in his comments. But his mention of combining federal, state, and local government “might” and his position as a “federal minister” bring up questions about how he plans to achieve the sweeping victory he talked about.

Until he explains his comments, this question remains open.