By Our Correspondent
National News – Youths and critical stakeholders from the Alabini axis of Ekeremor Constituency 3 have thrown their weight behind Comrade Solomon Charles Ikpaka, calling on the Nigeria Democratic Party to adopt him as the consensus candidate for the forthcoming Bayelsa State House of Assembly election.
Speaking on behalf of stakeholders at the endorsement ceremony, Michael Okungbenwei described Ikpaka as the most accepted grassroots aspirant in the constituency, stressing that his years of humanitarian service, youth empowerment and community development have earned him overwhelming support across Alabini communities.
According to him, Ikpaka’s growing popularity was not built around political ambition, but through years of consistent engagement with the people long before declaring interest in the Assembly race.
“We passionately appeal to the leadership of the NDC to graciously consider Comrade Solomon Charles Ikpaka for the Bayelsa State House of Assembly ticket for Ekeremor Constituency 3 based on clear political realities in the constituency,” Okungbenwei stated.
He noted that the aspirant enjoys widespread acceptance across wards and communities in Alabini, adding that his support base cuts across political, social and generational lines.
“In our constituency, the people are more concerned about popularity, impact and what aspirants have done for the people before voting. Ikpaka stands out among all those eyeing the seat because of his proven contributions to the lives of the people,” he added.
The stakeholders further maintained that the people of the constituency are more interested in credible representation than political party sentiments, insisting that giving the ticket to Ikpaka would guarantee massive electoral support for the NDC.
They also argued that for the sake of equity and fairness, the ticket should be zoned to Amatu, noting that the area has never produced a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
“Giving the NDC ticket to an Amatu aspirant gives the party a strategic advantage. Ikpaka represents competency, unity and broad grassroots appeal, making him the strongest candidate to lead the party to victory,” Okungbenwei said.
The stakeholders assured the party leadership of total mobilization and support should Ikpaka emerge as the party’s flagbearer.
Responding to the endorsement, Solomon Charles Ikpaka said his decision to contest was driven by the urgent need to address the developmental challenges confronting the constituency.
“My reason for showing interest in the Ekeremor Constituency 3 House of Assembly race is not because there is an opportunity to contest. Our area is challenged, our environment is challenged, and someone intentional about development must step in to change the narrative,” he said.
Ikpaka highlighted his interventions in sports development, youth empowerment and education, stating that he has consistently invested in the future of young people across Alabini.
“We have done a lot in sports and youth empowerment, engaging young people meaningfully. In education, we have resuscitated schools that were almost dead, paid school fees for students, assisted many to enroll for JAMB examinations and carried out several other interventions,” he stated.
He added that the endorsement by the youths and stakeholders was a reflection of the trust and confidence the people have in his leadership capacity.
Ikpaka therefore appealed to the leadership of the NDC to listen to the demands of the people and consider him for the party’s ticket ahead of the election.
Ikpaka’s ambition unsettles political stakeholders
Ikpaka’s entry into the race has reportedly unsettled some politicians in Ekeremor Constituency 3, with allegations that some political actors are attempting to infiltrate his camp to create division among his supporters.
A stakeholder, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the growing fear among rival politicians stems from Comrade Solomon Charles Ikpaka’s credibility, grassroots acceptance and years of philanthropic contributions to the people.
According to the source, many youths across Alabini support Ikpaka because of his long-standing culture of personally assisting people and investing in community development from his own resources.
He said, “During the last Alabini Mega Sports Festival organized by Ikpaka, winners and runners-up received mouth-watering prizes worth up to N500,000 for each team.”
“This is something that has never happened before. Many political office holders hardly support youth-related programmes, let alone sponsor major events. Even when they do, the highest prize they give winners is usually not more than N50,000.”
The stakeholder described Ikpaka as a leader who remains accessible to the people and consistently identifies with the struggles and aspirations of the youths.
“That is why the youths and stakeholders urged him to contest,” he added.
The source further alleged that many residents have become disillusioned with some political leaders over what he described as exploitative and insensitive behavior toward vulnerable people.
“That’s how wicked they are. Many of the leaders, before they help you, if you’re a woman, they will ask you to visit them in their hotel rooms before they can give you a paltry N30,000, and that’s why the people have rejected them.”
“I am not even a member of the NDC, but if Ikpaka’s name appears on the ballot, I will vote for him,” the stakeholder stated.
