APC lawmaker faces dissent at Akwa Ibom event after remarks on Peter Obi

A political event in Akwa Ibom State produced apparent dissent against the re-election of House of Representatives member Clement Jimbo, according to a video reviewed by Premium Times. Jimbo represents Abak, Etim Ekpo and Ika Federal Constituency for the All Progressives Congress and is seeking a second term in 2027. He had earlier said that Peter Obi could not win the presidential election and would not win his own polling unit.

At a project commissioning in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area on September 24, APC chieftain Emmanuel Enoidem urged residents to support Jimbo’s return. The crowd responded “No”, according to the report. Some people were also seen waving their hands in apparent disapproval when the camera showed the audience.

Enoidem repeated that Jimbo would be returned and said refusing to vote for APC candidates would amount to rebellion. He later told Premium Times that the gathering consisted of card-carrying APC members rather than ordinary voters. He argued that party members were bound by the APC constitution and that voting for another party could constitute anti-party activity, potentially attracting suspension or expulsion.

He nevertheless acknowledged that voters generally had the right to choose candidates freely. Jimbo rejected the event as evidence of widespread opposition, saying dissent was normal in a democratic setting and that not everyone had to agree with him. The incident has raised questions about the limits of party demands for loyalty and the independent choices available to voters.

Enoidem said his remarks were directed at party members and intended to emphasise internal support for the APC candidate.