2027: Ex-NANS President Joins Ikono Assembly Race, Cites Marginalisation of Ediene Itak
Former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Comrade Danielson Akpan, has declared his intention to contest for the Ikono State Constituency seat in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly under the platform of the Labour Party.
Akpan made the declaration on Monday after submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms, saying his decision was motivated by what he described as years of neglect and political marginalisation of Ediene Itak in Ikono Local Government Area.
He said Ediene Itak, one of the three geo-political zones in Ikono, has remained excluded from key political positions despite an existing zoning arrangement. According to him, major offices including the House of Representatives seat, the State Assembly seat and the local government chairmanship are currently occupied by individuals from Ikono South, leaving Ediene Itak without representation.
Akpan alleged that stakeholders from his area had previously supported the incumbent lawmaker based on an agreement that the Assembly seat would rotate to Ediene Itak afterward, but said the arrangement was not honoured.
The former student leader promised effective representation, people-oriented legislation and improved democratic dividends if elected, describing himself as an activist committed to justice rather than a conventional politician.
Reacting to his declaration, the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the Labour Party, Mrs. Freena Akpanusong, pledged the party’s support, saying the constituency needs a representative like Danielson Akpan and expressing confidence in his chances at the polls.
