LunagisthubAn Open Letter to Engr. Ben Akak on Loyalty, Sacrifice, and Political Survival
Dear Engr. Ben Akak ,
I am compelled by the vicissitudes of the current political reality in our state, vis-à-vis how you and your teeming supporters have been treated by the All Progressives Congress (APC)–led government under the superintendence of His Excellency, Apostle Prince Bassey Edet Otu, to write this open epistolary message to you. Ordinarily, I would have written to you privately through our confidential channels of communication. However, considering the seriousness and magnitude of my feelings and opinions, I have chosen to relay this message through this public medium.
I write as one of your unrepentant admirers and steadfast supporters who believes deeply in your political ideology and humanitarian philosophy. Sir, approximately six years ago, Dr. Ekanem Akak —your younger brother, who has been my friend since our campus days introduced me to you. Since then, I have been fully involved in your political journey. I traversed the length and breadth of the state with you, investing my time, intellectual resources, and even spiritual commitment (fasting and praying for seven days—in pursuit of your dream).
Prior to Prof. Ben Ayade’s official defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on May 20, 2021, I vividly recall that earlier that same month, you convened your followers and encouraged them to join the APC alongside you. At that time, I was already a member of the APC. When you eventually decamped, you did so with composure and momentum. You mobilized your team across the state to register in their respective wards and align with polling unit leadership structures.
Before the primary election, you and some other gubernatorial aspirants were, in a brazen and undemocratic manner, systematically elbowed out by the then governor. This scheme by Ayade was a devastating blow to us, your supporters. Yet, you neither nursed grievances nor threatened protests. Rather, you convened a meeting where you issued a clear marching order that all your supporters should give Prince Bassey Edet Otu the APC candidate maximum support.
Even after the APC primary, your popularity remained thunderous and loud enough to blind an eye. In recognition of your meteoric acceptance among the electorate, on June 5th, 2022, His Excellency, Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the then national leader and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) personally flew into the state to woo you into his party. He even published on his social media platforms that you were the governorship candidate of the NNPP. The following day, June 6, you publicly debunked the claim and reaffirmed your loyalty to the APC. You did this out of your deep sense of brotherhood and loyalty to Prince Bassey Edet Otu.
During the electioneering campaign, you injected millions of your hard-earned resources to support your followers and ensure the electoral victory of Prince Otu. I vividly remember that you personally called me after the gubernatorial election to inquire about the results from my community.
Sadly, today, you have been almost deliberately, maliciously, and tribally relegated to the fringes of political obscurity by this administration, despite your sincere support, loyalty, robust relationships, and humanitarian impact across the state. If this isolation and marginalization continue unabated over the next four years, you risk standing at the precipice of political oblivion. This is the source of my worry, disturbance, and concern.
It is glaring that the Otu-led administration neither recognizes nor appreciates your labour and sacrifices before and during the electioneering process. If they did, you or at the very least, one of your loyal supporters would have been accorded a political appointment.
Sir, perhaps you may have forgotten—permit me to remind you—that at a time when the gospel of the APC was detested, forbidden, and almost accursed in our state, it was largely propagated to the remotest parts by two illustrious sons of the state: yourself and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong. I personally joined your convoy to several local government areas during that period.
You may appear comfortable despite being sidelined, possibly due to your personal independence. However, I must tell you that your supporters are uncomfortable, disillusioned, and many have already drifted away.
In light of the foregoing, and without equivocation, I humbly advise you—as an admirer, supporter, and mentee to shun the ongoing APC digital registration exercise and align with another political party where you will receive the priority and recognition you deserve. Such a move is necessary not only to challenge Governor Bassey Edet Otu politically, but also to provide a broad and accommodating political shelter for your numerous supporters. If I may respectfully suggest, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presents itself as a viable option.
In diverse circumstances and at sundry times, words of wisdom often come through unusual channels.
I have the honour to remain
Your trusted ally,
Comr. Ogar Emmanuel Oko
19 January 2026
Ore Ijegu Ojor
Lunagisthub
