Tension has enveloped Akwa Ibom political space ahead of the electioneering activities with opposition aspirants accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of resorting to campaign of intimidation to suppress dissenting voices, LEADERSHIP gathered on Monday.
So far, two opposition aspirants – the former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, who had bought the governorship nomination and expression of interest forms, and a popular talkshow host, Akparawa Micheal Bush, have indicated their interests to wrest the power baton from incumbent Governor Umo Eno.
While Akpanudoedehe, a former interim national secretary of the APC would be vying in the contest on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bush, would run on the embattled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket.
But in an apparent display of what political watchers described as a descent to campaigns of terror, intimidation and suppression of opposition by alleged agents of the ruling APC, it was gathered that over the weekend, a radio interview arranged by the PDP aspirant, Mr. Bush, was abruptly cancelled at the last in what the campaign organisation argued was “due to power from above.”
The spokesperson of the Michael Bush Campaign Organisation, Mr. Namso Akpan, in a letter of protest tagged: “Condemnation of Political Intimidation and Suppression of Democratic Engagement Ahead of the 2027 Akwa Ibom Governorship Election,” strongly condemed the action, describing it as a dictatorship that is antithetical to plural democracy.
“We strongly condemn the disturbing and undemocratic cancellation of a scheduled live radio programme involving governorship hopeful, Michael BUSH, on Comfort 95.1 FM.
“Something really, really, really comically unfortunate happened over the weekend when, with just 20 minutes to airtime, Comfort 95.1 FM, Uyo, cancelled a two-hour live session that had been fully paid for over a week in advance.
“Throughout that period, the station repeatedly aired promotional announcements to mobilize listeners and supporters for the programme.
The live interview session was intended to provide Michael Bush the opportunity to discuss his vision for Akwa Ibom State, particularly his agenda for achieving 24-hour electricity across the state.
“Sadly, what should have been a healthy democratic engagement appears to have been abruptly halted under pressure from political interests threatened by alternative ideas and rising competition ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election.
“This development raises serious concerns about freedom of expression, political fairness, and the shrinking democratic space in Akwa Ibom State. Democracy thrives when citizens are free to hear different voices, compare ideas, and make informed choices without interference, intimidation, or coercion.
“It is unacceptable for media platforms to become instruments of political suppression. The intimidation of opposition voices, candidates, or their supporters undermines the integrity of the democratic process and sends a dangerous signal to citizens who believe in fairness, accountability, and equal participation.
“It is satanic to seek to create fear to gain advantage — no matter what office you hold.
“We therefore call on all relevant authorities, security agencies, media regulators, civil society groups, and democratic institutions to immediately desist from any form of intimidation, harassment, or suppression of political candidates and their supporters ahead of the 2027 Governorship Election in Akwa Ibom State.
“We also urge media houses across the state to remain courageous, professional, and committed to the principles of free speech, fairness, and equal access for all political actors, regardless of affiliation.
“Those who allow themselves to be intimidated by political power should ensure that the intimidation ends with them. Akwa Ibom State belongs to all of us equally. There is no superior or inferior citizen.
“The people of Akwa Ibom deserve a peaceful, open, and competitive democratic environment where ideas — not intimidation — determine leadership,” the campaign organisation stated.