Joseph Etuk declares for Akwa Ibom North-West senate seat under ADP

By Emmanuel Sampson

Political activities in Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District received fresh momentum on Friday, August 7, 2026, as medical doctor and senatorial aspirant, Dr. Etuk Joseph Jonathan, formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 Senate election on the platform of the Action Democratic Party (ADP).

The declaration took place alongside the official opening of his campaign office in Ikot Ekpene, the headquarters of the senatorial district, and attracted supporters, political associates, community leaders, women and youth groups, as well as other stakeholders from across the district’s 10 Local Government Areas.

The gathering, which featured speeches and expressions of support for the aspirant, reflected growing political activity in the district ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing supporters, Jonathan said his decision to seek the Senate seat was driven by a desire to provide what he described as effective, responsive and people-oriented representation.

He said the opening of the campaign office represented the beginning of a political journey focused on listening to constituents and addressing issues affecting communities across the senatorial district.

“Today is more than the opening of a campaign office. It is the beginning of a journey, a journey of service, representation and a new direction for the people of Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District,” he said.

The aspirant, who has a background in medicine, said his interactions with residents across the district had given him insight into some of the challenges confronting communities, particularly in areas affecting young people, families and local development.

According to him, representation in the National Assembly should extend beyond political rhetoric and translate into meaningful interventions that improve the welfare and prospects of constituents.

“I have listened to our people. I have seen the challenges facing our communities, our youths, our mothers and fathers. And I believe that leadership must go beyond promises. Leadership must be felt in the lives of the people,” Jonathan said.

He subsequently made a formal declaration of his intention to seek the senatorial seat, calling on residents of the district to support his political ambition and participate actively in the electoral process.

Jonathan also sought to distinguish his approach from the conventional politics of presenting candidates as having ready-made answers to every challenge.

“I am not presenting myself as a man who has all the answers. I am presenting myself as one who is ready to listen, ready to work and ready to serve,” he said.

The ADP aspirant described his candidacy as a collective project rather than a personal ambition, promising to focus on strengthening the voice of constituents and expanding opportunities for young people if elected.

“This journey is not about me alone. It is about us. It is about building a future where our communities have a stronger voice, our young people have greater opportunities, and our people can truly feel the impact of representation,” he said.

The event was attended by political and community stakeholders, including party members, political associates, community representatives, women and youth groups, and supporters who travelled from different parts of the senatorial district.

The turnout from the 10 Local Government Areas gave the event a strong grassroots character, although the gathering represented supporters of Jonathan and did not, by itself, establish the level of support he enjoys across the entire senatorial district.

Jonathan, while urging supporters to remain committed to the political process, also called for their prayers, counsel and support as he begins his campaign.

“With God before us and our people beside us, I believe that a new chapter is possible. The journey begins today. The time to serve is now,” he said.

The event ended with prayers for Akwa Ibom North-West, Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.

Jonathan’s declaration adds another dimension to the emerging political contest for the Akwa Ibom North-West Senate seat as political parties and aspirants begin preparations towards the 2027 elections.