Ex-minister endorses senator’s second-term bid
Ex-minister endorses senator’s second-term bid as political activities ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections begin to gather momentum in Akwa Ibom State, with influential leaders in the state throwing their weight behind incumbent lawmakers seeking continuity in the National Assembly.
The endorsement came from Chief Nduese Essien, a former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, who publicly backed Senator Ekong Sampson, the senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, to return to the Senate for another term. 
Essien made the declaration during a meeting with members of the Mkpat Enin Elders/Stakeholders Forum, who visited his residence in Eket to seek support for Sampson’s re-election campaign.
According to the former minister, the senatorial district would benefit more from continuity in representation than from sending a new legislator to Abuja.
In that context, ex-minister endorses senator’s second-term bid not only as a personal political endorsement but also as a strategic call for legislative experience and continuity.
Former minister emphasises legislative experience
Speaking during the visit, Essien argued that legislative experience is critical for effective representation in Nigeria’s Senate.
He explained that newly elected legislators often require several years to fully understand the workings of the National Assembly and to build the relationships needed to influence national policy.
“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has evolved into a strong institution where ranking senators wield considerable influence,” Essien said. 
For that reason, he warned against replacing experienced lawmakers with political newcomers.
The former minister maintained that ex-minister endorses senator’s second-term bid reflects a belief that legislative continuity strengthens the political voice of a constituency.
Sampson’s political background
Senator Ekong Sampson has built a long political career in Akwa Ibom State before his election to the Senate.
According to political leaders in the district, Sampson previously served as:
• Principal legislative aide to former Senator Udoma Udoma
• Chairman of a local government council
• Member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly
• Commissioner in the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council
These experiences, Essien said, prepared Sampson for the complex legislative work required at the National Assembly.
Supporters therefore believe that ex-minister endorses senator’s second-term bid reflects recognition of Sampson’s long public service career.
https://ogelenews.ng/ex-minister-endorses-senators-second-term-bid
Stakeholders rally behind the senator
Members of the Mkpat Enin Elders/Stakeholders Forum also expressed strong support for Sampson’s continued representation of the district.
The group said its members had carefully assessed the senator’s performance and concluded that his return to the Senate would benefit the region.
The forum’s secretary, speaking on behalf of the group, said Sampson’s legislative work had delivered important benefits to the district.
They therefore resolved that ex-minister endorses senator’s second-term bid should serve as a signal to political stakeholders across the district to unite behind the incumbent senator.
Political contest ahead of 2027
Despite the endorsement, the senatorial seat may become one of the most closely watched political contests in Akwa Ibom State.
Reports indicate that Nsima Ekere, a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission and a previous governorship candidate, has also shown interest in contesting the seat.
If confirmed, the race could become a significant political battle ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, supporters of the incumbent senator argue that continuity is essential to protect the district’s influence in the Senate.
This is why ex-minister endorses senator’s second-term bid has already sparked debate among political observers in the state.
Importance of ranking in the Senate
Essien emphasised that ranking plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s legislative system.
According to him, senators who have served multiple terms often gain greater influence in parliamentary committees and leadership structures.
Such influence can translate into more effective representation for their constituencies.
He therefore argued that replacing experienced senators too frequently weakens the ability of constituencies to secure federal projects and policy attention.
For this reason, ex-minister endorses senator’s second-term bid highlights a broader debate about the value of legislative continuity in Nigeria’s democracy.
Appeal for unity across political parties
Interestingly, Essien went further than a simple endorsement.
He urged political parties in the senatorial district to consider supporting the incumbent senator regardless of partisan differences.
According to him, the district should prioritise effective representation over party rivalry.
He said such cooperation would ensure the district retains a strong voice in national politics.
The former minister also hinted that leaders of the senatorial district may soon hold a broader meeting to formally endorse Sampson’s re-election.
That development would further strengthen the message that ex-minister endorses senator’s second-term bid represents a coordinated political movement.
Political significance of the endorsement
Political endorsements from respected leaders often play an important role in shaping electoral outcomes in Nigeria.
Such endorsements can influence party members, traditional institutions and grassroots supporters.
Analysts say Essien’s backing could significantly boost Sampson’s political standing in the district.
The former minister remains a respected political figure with decades of experience in Nigeria’s political system.
Therefore, ex-minister endorses senator’s second-term bid may carry considerable weight as political alignments begin to form ahead of the next election cycle.
Looking ahead
As Nigeria moves gradually toward the 2027 general elections, political endorsements like this one are likely to become more frequent.
For Senator Ekong Sampson, the support from a respected former minister could strengthen his position in the emerging contest for the Akwa Ibom South senatorial seat.
For the district itself, the debate over continuity versus change in legislative representation is likely to remain central to the political conversation.
For now, however, ex-minister endorses senator’s second-term bid signals the early stages of what may become a major political contest in Akwa Ibom State.
https://punchng.com/ex-minister-endorses-senators-second-term-bid
