Ekere, a former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, has emerged as one of the prominent figures being discussed in connection with the governorship contest, particularly within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His political profile has also generated debate among supporters and critics, with different groups offering contrasting views about his record, popularity and chances of securing the APC ticket and eventually winning the governorship election.
At the recently concluded APC National Convention, a delegate from one of the South-South states reportedly questioned why Ekere had become such a prominent figure in discussions about the 2019 governorship race in Akwa Ibom.
Within sections of the APC, Ekere was being regarded as a strong contender for the party’s governorship ticket. His supporters pointed to his political experience, grassroots relationships and record at the NDDC as some of the factors that could strengthen his candidacy.
For his supporters, however, Ekere’s appeal goes beyond his political experience. They argue that his activities at the NDDC have helped to raise his profile across Akwa Ibom and other parts of the Niger Delta.
As head of the interventionist commission, Ekere has overseen various projects across the Niger Delta, including road, education, health and other development initiatives. Some of the projects executed by the commission in Akwa Ibom have been cited by his supporters as evidence of his commitment to development.
His supporters also point to his administrative experience at the NDDC, arguing that it demonstrates his ability to manage large-scale development programmes and work with different stakeholders.
These arguments have increasingly featured in political discussions as the 2019 election approaches, with some APC members viewing Ekere as a candidate capable of mounting a serious challenge to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which controls the state government.
Another major factor in the political conversation is the comparison between Ekere’s record at the NDDC and that of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration.
While supporters of Ekere highlight the number of NDDC projects implemented in the state under his leadership, supporters of the governor point to the projects and policies of the state government as evidence of its performance.
The differing assessments have consequently become part of the political contest, with both camps presenting contrasting narratives about development, governance and the future direction of Akwa Ibom State.
Beyond his public position, Ekere’s political network is also considered an important factor in the race. Having served as Deputy Governor and subsequently occupied other political and administrative positions, he has had opportunities over the years to build relationships with political stakeholders and communities across the state.
His supporters contend that these relationships give him considerable grassroots reach and could become an advantage during the electioneering process.
Ekere has also been associated with a politics centred on ideas and development, with his supporters arguing that he has a broader vision for the economic and social development of Akwa Ibom.
As the 2019 governorship contest continues to gather momentum, the question of who will emerge as the APC’s standard-bearer remains one of the major issues to watch.
For Ekere’s supporters, his experience, political network and record at the NDDC make him a strong candidate. For his critics, however, those claims will have to withstand the scrutiny that naturally accompanies a major political contest.
With the election still ahead, the battle for the governorship ticket and the eventual contest against the PDP candidate promises to make the 2019 Akwa Ibom political season particularly competitive.
The growing attention surrounding Nsima Ekere therefore reflects not only his personal political ambition but also the wider struggle for political control in Akwa Ibom State as the two major parties prepare for the 2019 election.
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