2027: Stakeholders Petition Gov. Eno Over Alleged Political Imbalance in Oron Federal Constituency
By Imoh ESSIEN (Uyo)
A coalition of stakeholders and community leaders within the Oron Federal Constituency has formally petitioned the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, seeking his intervention to restore "equity, justice, and fairness" in the distribution of elective offices within the Oro Nation.
In a strongly-worded memorandum signed by Dr. Samuel Duncan (Chairman), Comrade Victor Efiong Onomo (Secretary), and Prince Edenseting, PhD, (Director of Media & Publicity), the group raised concerns over the total exclusion of Udung Uko Local Government Area from National Assembly representation since 1959.
The "Udung Uko Exclusion;
The petitioners noted that while an informal rotational agreement has historically preserved unity among the five LGAs—Mbo, Okobo, Oron, Urue-Offong/Oruko, and Udung Uko—the sequence was disrupted in 2023.
According to the group, every other LGA in the constituency has occupied the House of Representatives seat except Udung Uko. They argued that following the tenures of Urue-Offong/Oruko (1999–2007), Okobo (2007–2015), and Mbo (2015–2023), the slot was logically due to Udung Uko in 2023.
Allegations of Political Concentration;
The stakeholders expressed concern over what they termed an "unhealthy concentration" of power in Oron LGA, which currently holds both the Deputy Governorship, occupied by Her Excellency, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, and the House of Representatives seat, held by Rep. Martins Esin.
"Such concentration is unhealthy," the statement read. "When offices are fairly spread, each LGA mobilizes votes enthusiastically. Concentrating them in one location weakens participation elsewhere and reduces the constituency’s collective electoral strength."
The group further alleged that the 2023 emergence of Rep. Martins Esin was a deviation from the 2015 precedent—a time when Oro leaders, including the current Deputy Governor, reportedly protested against the concentration of both Senate and House seats in a single LGA (Mbo).
Warnings of Nepotism and Consolidation;
The petition also highlighted "troubling patterns" perceived by stakeholders as favoritism. The group noted that the current representative is a close associate of the Deputy Governor’s family, sparking fears of a "political consolidation" within a single family and LGA. Unconfirmed reports also suggested moves to position the Deputy Governor’s son for the State Assembly seat, a move the group warns could deepen political resentment.
"If Oron LGA retains the House of Representatives seat again in 2027, it would amount to sixteen uninterrupted years in the National Assembly from 2015, while Udung Uko remains completely excluded," the petitioners warned.
Proposed Paths to Peace
to forestall a breakdown of political stability within the Oro Nation, the stakeholders submitted two recommendations for Governor Eno’s consideration;
Rotational Correction: Explicitly ceding the 2027 House of Representatives seat to Udung Uko LGA to correct the 2023 "truncation."
Executive Realignment: Alternatively, if Oron LGA is to retain the House of Representatives seat, the Governor should consider selecting a Deputy Governor from a different LGA within the Oro Nation to ensure a fair geographical spread.
The group concluded by reaffirming their trust in Governor Eno’s "people-centered" leadership, stating that Oro unity has always depended on "justice perceived and justice practiced.
