RismadarVoice Reporters
October 26, 2026
Community leaders and representatives of Obiobom village in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have declared their support for the re-election of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was announced on Monday during a solidarity visit to the Speaker at his residence in Abak Itenge.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Village Head of Obiobom and Clan Head of Abak Clan, HRH Obong Usen Udo, said representatives of the three family units that constitute the community had unanimously agreed to support Otong’s re-election bid.
The traditional ruler attributed the decision to what he described as the Speaker’s leadership qualities, accessibility and contributions to development in Abak State Constituency.
He said the community appreciated Otong’s efforts to attract development initiatives to the area and had resolved to support his continued representation in the state legislature.
Youth and women leaders who participated in the visit also expressed their support for the Speaker.
Beyond Otong’s re-election, the delegation declared its backing for President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 polls.
Responding, Otong thanked the community representatives for their visit and endorsement, describing the gesture as an expression of unity and solidarity.
The Speaker encouraged residents to maintain peaceful relationships, participate in the democratic process and support development initiatives being implemented across the state.
He also urged the community to embrace the state government’s ARISE Agenda, which focuses on infrastructure, economic development and improvements in public services.
Otong was accompanied by his wife, Deaconess Margaret Otong, who serves as President of LEWA.
During the visit, the Speaker reportedly presented a car to the clan head to facilitate his movement and support the performance of his traditional responsibilities.
The presentation formed part of the activities associated with the community’s visit, although details concerning the vehicle’s value and funding were not provided.
The endorsement comes amid ongoing political consultations in Abak State Constituency ahead of the next general elections.
Otong has previously received support from political stakeholders in parts of Abak, while other groups have opposed his bid for another term, citing concerns about constituency representation and an alleged zoning agreement.
The latest declaration therefore reflects the position expressed by the Obiobom delegation rather than a constituency-wide consensus.
