A federal lawmaker from Akwa Ibom State, Clement Jimbo, has found himself at the center of political tension after predicting that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, would lose the 2027 election. Jimbo, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the remarks during interviews in January and February, sparking controversy and now apparent resistance from constituents at a political gathering.
The controversy intensified on September 24, when APC chieftain and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Emmanuel Enoidem addressed a project commissioning event in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area. Enoidem, a former national legal adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a close ally of Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, called on attendees to support Jimbo’s re-election, declaring, “We will return him whether you like it or not.” The crowd, however, reportedly responded with a collective “No,” according to a video reviewed by Premium Times.
Jimbo, who is seeking re-election for a second term, had previously dismissed Obi’s political viability, labeling him “unpatriotic” and claiming he “cannot win any election in Nigeria.” In a February interview, Jimbo specifically predicted that Obi would lose his polling unit, stating, “He is not going to win his polling unit, mark my words.” These comments, made during a period of heightened political scrutiny, have now drawn scrutiny of their own as Jimbo’s own political base appears divided.
Enoidem’s remarks at the Etim Ekpo event have raised broader questions about the balance between party loyalty and voter autonomy. While Enoidem clarified that the gathering was attended by APC members rather than general voters, he emphasized that party members are bound by the APC’s constitution to support its candidates. “Anti-party activity, such as voting for another party’s candidate, is punishable by suspension or expulsion,” he stated. However, he acknowledged the right of ordinary voters to choose freely, distinguishing between party members and the broader electorate.
Jimbo, responding to the event’s outcome, dismissed the crowd’s reaction as a minor setback. “In a democratic setting, dissenting voices are expected,” he said, citing his record of infrastructure projects, including schools, solar-powered boreholes, and youth empowerment programs, as reasons for voter support. He reiterated that the 2027 election would be decided by the majority of voters, not party leaders. “Everyone should support and campaign for the candidate of their choice,” he said, adding that the Independent National Electoral Commission would ultimately determine the winner.
Enoidem, however, highlighted internal disputes within the APC over Jimbo’s candidacy. He cited complaints about zoning practices and Jimbo’s alleged failure to consult widely with constituents. “The major complaints are that the position should have gone to Ika based on the history of zoning in the area,” he said. He also noted concerns about youth empowerment and urged patience, stating, “I pray our people especially the youths to exercise some restraint and exercise patience to give him a second chance.”
The incident underscores the complex dynamics within the APC, particularly in Akwa Ibom State, where Enoidem’s political evolution—from PDP legal adviser to APC defender—has drawn attention. Enoidem, who initially resisted Governor Eno’s defection from the PDP to the APC in 2025, later joined the party in 2026. His intervention at the Etim Ekpo event reflects the party’s efforts to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 elections, even as internal disagreements persist.
Jimbo’s remarks about Obi have also reignited debates about the 2027 election landscape. Obi, who ran as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023 before joining the African Democratic Congress, has been a polarizing figure. Jimbo’s dismissal of Obi’s electoral prospects contrasts with the latter’s growing influence, raising questions about the APC’s strategy to counter potential challenges from opposition candidates.
The event’s outcome has cast doubt on Jimbo’s re-election prospects, with the crowd’s rejection of Enoidem’s appeals signaling potential resistance within his constituency. However, Jimbo remains confident, citing his legislative achievements and the support of a majority of voters. “My return to the Green Chamber in 2027 does not have any resistance strong enough to overcome the majority of voters willing to vote for us,” he said.
Enoidem’s stance on party loyalty has also drawn scrutiny, particularly given his past advocacy for electoral integrity. In 2019, he criticized “electoral intimidations” that suppressed voter choices, yet his current emphasis on APC discipline highlights the party’s internal pressures. This duality underscores the challenges of balancing ideological principles with practical political survival.
The situation reflects broader tensions in Nigerian politics, where party loyalty, voter agency, and electoral strategies intersect. Jimbo’s case illustrates how individual predictions and party interventions can shape public perception and influence election outcomes. As the 2027 polls approach, the interplay between grassroots sentiment and party leadership will remain a critical factor.
The rejection of Enoidem’s appeals at the Etim Ekpo event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Nigerian elections. While party leaders seek to consolidate support, voters retain the power to challenge established narratives. For Jimbo, the coming months will test whether his legislative record and party backing can overcome the skepticism expressed at the gathering.
Jimbo’s political journey has not been without controversy. Last year, he faced criticism for using the ADC plane crash to mock the coalition against Tinubu, a move that drew backlash from some constituents. These past incidents, combined with his recent remarks about Obi, have positioned him as a polarizing figure within the APC and beyond.
As the 2027 election cycle gains momentum, the events in Etim Ekpo highlight the delicate balance between party discipline and democratic participation. For now, Jimbo’s re-election bid remains uncertain, with the outcome hinging on the interplay of his personal appeal, party strategy, and the evolving political landscape in Akwa Ibom State.
The broader implications of this episode extend beyond Jimbo’s candidacy. It raises questions about the role of party leaders in shaping electoral outcomes and the extent to which voters can assert their autonomy. In a democracy, the tension between collective action and individual choice will continue to define the political process.
Jimbo’s ability to navigate these challenges will be a key indicator of his political resilience. Whether he can reconcile his party’s demands with the preferences of his constituents will determine his fate in the 2027 elections. For now, the story of his re-election bid remains a microcosm of the larger struggles within Nigerian politics.
The events in Etim Ekpo underscore the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of Nigerian elections. As the country approaches the 2027 polls, the interplay between party loyalty, voter agency, and political strategy will shape the trajectory of its democratic institutions.
The rejection of Enoidem’s appeals at the Etim Ekpo event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Nigerian elections. While party leaders seek to consolidate support, voters retain the power to challenge established narratives. For Jimbo, the coming months will test whether his legislative record and party backing can overcome the skepticism expressed at the gathering.