Hon. Emmanuel Ndum Pledges Total Support for APC Candidates in Etung as Dr. Blessing Egbara Begins Grassroots Consultation
By Ejeh Peter & co
EFFRAYA, ETUNG LGA — The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Etung Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Ndum, has pledged the party’s commitment to delivering its candidates in the 2027 elections, as the APC candidate for Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency, Dr. Mrs. Blessing Egbara, commenced a broad-based consultation across Etung Local Government Area.
The consultation, which brought together party leaders, critical stakeholders, women groups, youths and party members from the 10 wards of Etung, was aimed at strengthening grassroots engagement, deepening unity within the party and listening to the expectations of constituents ahead of the 2027 Federal House of Representatives election.
The engagement commenced in Ajassor, where Dr. Mrs. Egbara paid a courtesy visit to the Paramount Ruler of Etung, HRM Ntufam Ambassador Anthony Ntui Etta II, and the Council of Chiefs.
During the visit, Egbara formally sought the blessings of the traditional institution following her emergence as the APC candidate, while stressing the importance of respecting traditional leadership and maintaining direct communication with communities at the grassroots.
Speaking during the visit, she said effective leadership must begin with consultation and listening, noting that no leader could successfully address the needs of the people without first understanding their concerns.
«“I have come to Etung first and foremost with respect. I have come to pay homage to our traditional leadership, to seek the blessings of our fathers, and to listen to the people,” she said.»
Responding, the Paramount Ruler expressed optimism about the future of the Obubra/Etung constituency and spoke positively about the capacity of women to provide effective leadership.
He noted that women have demonstrated their ability not only in managing homes and families but also in contributing meaningfully to leadership and public affairs.
Egbara Engages APC Leadership, Stakeholders in Effraya
The consultation later moved to Effraya, the administrative headquarters of Etung Local Government Area, where Dr. Mrs. Egbara was received by the Vice Chairman of the council, Hon. Assam Amba, who represented the Executive Chairman, Hon. Henry Njar Anom.
Also present at the engagement were Hon. Ntufam Gabe Odu Oji, Ntufam Collins Ogar, APC Chapter Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Ndum KSM, Legislative Council Leader, Hon. Ojong ThankGod, the 10 ward chairmen and members of their respective executives.
Representatives of women and youth groups, including the Etung Women Network Organisation (E-NET), Amazon Women in Politics (AWIP), Etung Women in Politics (EWIP), as well as youths from across the local government, also participated in the consultation.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mrs. Egbara explained that the engagement was deliberately designed as a two-way consultation rather than a conventional political address.
«“I have come to hear from you what matters most to you. Your voices must guide the conversation about the future of our constituency,” she stated.»
She called for greater unity, inclusion and grassroots participation, emphasizing that the diversity of communities and interests within Obubra/Etung requires an approach to representation that gives every constituent a sense of belonging.
The APC candidate also highlighted the need for women and young people to have meaningful roles in political and developmental discussions, while assuring stakeholders of her commitment to remaining accessible and maintaining an open channel of communication with the people.
‘Politics Must Go Beyond Elections’
Dr. Mrs. Egbara further described the consultation as part of an effort to build lasting relationships with constituents based on mutual respect, openness and continuous communication.
According to her, political representation should not be limited to election periods but should involve sustained engagement with the people throughout a representative’s tenure.
«“Politics should not be about appearing before the people only when we need something from them. It should be about building a relationship that continues beyond elections,” she said.»
The consultation is expected to form part of a wider grassroots engagement strategy as the APC prepares for the 2027 elections in the Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency.
The engagement also provided an opportunity for party leaders and stakeholders in Etung to interact directly with the APC candidate and articulate their expectations ahead of the forthcoming electoral cycle.
