The Labour Party governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom, Michael Bush, has appointed Udofa Assam as the spokesperson for his campaign. Mr. Assam, an estate surveyor and valuer, was announced during a Facebook Live broadcast on Sunday. He hails from Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State and is the younger brother of Assam Assam, a former Nigerian ambassador to Russia and close associate of Governor Umo Eno.
Mr. Assam's appointment raises an interesting dynamic, given his family's connection to the incumbent governor. His brother, Assam Assam, served as director-general of Governor Eno's 2023 governorship campaign and remains an associate of the governor. Despite this, Mr. Udofa Assam insists that his appointment will not create a conflict of interest. He stated that he and his brother are serving the state on different platforms.
Mr. Udofa Assam described his new responsibility as a challenge requiring fresh ideas for the state. He believes that the state needs new hands to move forward, citing a history of "recycling" in politics. Mr. Assam's appointment comes as political parties and candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 governorship election in Akwa Ibom.
The relationship between Mr. Bush and Governor Eno has undergone a significant shift. Mr. Bush was previously a PDP member and a prominent supporter of Mr. Eno's 2023 campaign. However, their relationship deteriorated after Mr. Eno defected from the PDP to the APC in 2025. Mr. Bush subsequently left the PDP and joined the LP, winning the party's governorship primary in May.
Mr. Bush has presented himself as an option for change, with a proposed administration focused on inclusion, justice, and good governance. He has unveiled policy proposals, including low-cost housing and support for fishers, as part of his campaign agenda. Mr. Udofa Assam stated that Mr. Bush is offering himself as an instrument of change, and it is up to the people to decide.
The appointment of Mr. Udofa Assam as campaign spokesperson also highlights the complexities of family relationships in politics. Mr. Assam cited the example of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his nephew, Prince Akpabio, who have worked on different platforms. Prince Akpabio initially declined to join his uncle in the APC but was later elected into the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on the PDP platform.
As the 2027 governorship election approaches, Mr. Bush's campaign is gaining momentum. With Mr. Udofa Assam as spokesperson, the Labour Party candidate is expected to present his vision for the state to voters. The election will be a referendum on the incumbent governor's performance and the opposition's proposals for change.
Key points
- Michael Bush appoints Udofa Assam as campaign spokesperson despite family ties to Governor Umo Eno.
- Udofa Assam insists his appointment won't create conflict of interest.
- Michael Bush presents himself as an option for change in the 2027 governorship election.
