Edet Ikotidem

Politics is not just about participation—it is about positioning. It is about understanding where power resides, how influence is negotiated, and why representation must be protected at all costs.  For the people of Itu, the stakes ahead of 2027 are too high for silence, division, or experimentation.

Itu Must Not Be Silenced: Why Unity Behind Kufre Edidem Is the Only Path to Relevance in 2027

This is not the time to gamble; this is the time to consolidate. And the truth is simple: Itu must not lose the seat of the Deputy Speaker.

Across Akwa Ibom State today, political power is already taking shape in clear and strategic ways. Etinan Federal Constituency holds a firm grip on the Hilltop Mansion—the seat of executive authority. Uyo Federal Constituency is not left behind, maintaining strong relevance within the power structure. Ibiono Ibom, on its part, has secured a position at the federal level, giving it both visibility and influence in national politics. These are not coincidences; they are the result of careful political calculation and unity of purpose.

So where does that leave Itu?

Itu Must Not Be Silenced

That is the uncomfortable but necessary question. In the current arrangement and in the unfolding political permutations toward 2027, Itu stands at a crossroads. Without deliberate action, it risks being sidelined in both state and federal power dynamics. And in politics, once you are sidelined, regaining relevance is never easy.

This is why the return of Rt. Hon. Kufre Edidem to the State House of Assembly is not just a personal ambition—it is a collective necessity. It is about ensuring that Itu retains a strategic seat at the table. The position of Deputy Speaker is not just ceremonial; it is a powerful office that shapes legislative direction, influences decision-making, and gives a constituency a voice that cannot be ignored.

Let us be honest with ourselves: no first-time lawmaker walks into the House of Assembly and becomes Deputy Speaker. It does not happen that way. Leadership positions of that magnitude are built on experience, relationships, trust, and an understanding of the internal dynamics of the legislature. These are things that take time to cultivate. They cannot be handed over to a newcomer overnight.

If Itu chooses the path of truncation—abandoning experience for the uncertainty of a new entrant—it risks losing everything. Not just the Deputy Speakership, but its entire standing within the state’s political structure. And when that happens, others will not hesitate to fill the vacuum.

Ibiono Ibom is already positioned at the federal level. If Itu falters, what stops Ibiono from extending its influence further? What stops it from occupying both federal relevance and a principal position in the State House of Assembly? Politics abhors a vacuum. If you do not defend your space, someone else will take it.

And then the question becomes even more painful: where will Itu stand?

Will it be a spectator in the politics of its own state? Will it watch as decisions are made without its input? Will it become a constituency that is remembered only during elections but ignored in governance?

Also read: Aides: Internal Political Factors Likely to Influence Governor Umo Eno’s Stance in 2027

These are not fears meant to create panic; they are realities that must guide action.

The strength of any people lies in their ability to unite when it matters most. Itu has a proud history, a strong identity, and a voice that deserves to be heard. But that voice can only be sustained through strategic choices. Supporting Rt. Hon. Kufre Edidem is one of those choices.

This is not to say that he is perfect. No leader is. But leadership is not about perfection—it is about capacity, positioning, and the ability to deliver within a complex system. Kufre Edidem has walked the legislative path. He understands its terrain. He has built relationships that are critical for advancement. He is not starting from scratch, and that is exactly what Itu needs at this moment.

Beyond politics, there is also a human dimension to this conversation. Representation is about people—about ensuring that the needs, aspirations, and concerns of a community are carried into the corridors of power. It is about having someone who not only understands the people but is also in a position to fight for them effectively.

If Itu loses the Deputy Speakership, it loses more than a title. It loses access. It loses influence. It loses the ability to shape outcomes in its favor. And in a system where every constituency is competing for attention and resources, that is a loss Itu cannot afford.

This is why unity is not optional—it is essential. Division at this point will only weaken the collective strength of the people. Personal interests, internal disagreements, and political rivalries must give way to a higher purpose: the protection of Itu’s place in the political structure of Akwa Ibom State.

The call, therefore, is clear. Let the people of Itu rise above differences. Let them see beyond individual ambitions and focus on collective gain. Let them rally behind a candidate who offers not just representation, but strategic advantage.

Let them support Rt. Hon. Kufre Edidem.

Because in 2027, politics will not be about sentiments—it will be about structure. It will be about who holds what, who influences what, and who is heard when decisions are made.

Itu must not be absent from that conversation.

Itu must not be silenced.

Itu must not lose the seat of the Deputy Speaker.

The time to act is now. The time to unite is now. And the path to relevance is clear—stand together, support continuity, and secure the future.