By Our Reporter.
Tensions Rise in Akwa Ibom Northwest as Rep. Clement Jimbo Reportedly Plans Showdown with Senate President Akpabio
The political atmosphere in the Akwa Ibom Northwest (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial District is heating up as Hon. Clement Jimbo, Deputy Chairman house committee on national planning, economic development and Member representing Abak Federal Constituency, allegedly prepares to challenge Senate President Godswill Akpabio for the Senate seat in 2027.
According to a source close to the lawmaker, who pleaded anonymity, Hon. Jimbo is not only determined to wrest political control from Akpabio but is increasingly frustrated by what he perceives as undue influence, injustice perpetuated and wielded by Akpabio’s wife, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio regarding position sharing formula between the people of the district and her Igbo brothers.
According to the source, Hon. Jimbo alleged that Unoma Akpabio has been instrumental in allocating key political appointments meant for the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District to her kinsmen in the Southeast while neglecting the people who suffers during Akpabio’s election.
The aide claimed that Jimbo has expressed anger over the situation, allegedly stating in a private phone conversation that he would go as far as physically confronting Mrs. Akpabio if necessary, in proceed of her alarming interference in position sharing, which shouldn’t have been so.
The source further fueled speculations about rising tensions between the two political camps.
“Hon. Jimbo believes the people of this senatorial district are being sidelined and cheated by Akpabio’s wife ,” the aide said. “While they are the ones helping Senator Akpabio maintain political relevance, his wife is diverting benefits and strategic positions to her own people from the Southeast. This must end in 2027 enough is enough.”
The aide also disclosed that Jimbo is pursuing two options ahead of 2027: securing a ticket for second term in the House of Representatives or being appointed Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission. Failure to grab any of the following, the lawmaker is said to be prepared to directly challenge Akpabio for the Senate seat, claiming that it is “the turn of Abak Federal Constituency” to produce the next senator.
As of press time, neither Hon. Jimbo nor the Akpabio camp has issued an official response to the allegations.
Leave a Reply