With Saviour Ekpe, Ph,D
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially put to rest growing speculation surrounding the candidacy of Ambassador Princess Dr. Victoria Ibokette in the 2027 senatorial election for Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.
The controversy, which had generated considerable tension among political stakeholders and supporters across the district, centred on claims that Dr. Ibokette had been disqualified from contesting the election. However, the final list of candidates released by INEC has now provided an official clarification: Princess Victoria Ibokette is on the ballot as the senatorial candidate of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA).
The INEC document, titled “Presidential and National Assembly Elections for Jan. 2027 – Senatorial District, Final List of Candidates,” lists Ibokette Princess Victoria under the DLA with serial number 7. The document is signed by Rose Oriaran-Anthony, Secretary to the Commission, INEC.
The publication of the list has therefore effectively doused the speculation and restored confidence among her supporters and other stakeholders who had been concerned about reports of her alleged disqualification. The development has also triggered an outpouring of reactions from beneficiaries and supporters of the senatorial candidate.
One of the beneficiaries of Dr. Ibokette’s philanthropic gestures, who affectionately described her as “my Mummy,” in a letter of gratitude to her expressed profound joy over the development, saying the confirmation was evidence that what God has destined cannot be cancelled by the actions of men.
According to the beneficiary, Dr. Ibokette had previously secured a senatorial ticket under another platform but lost what was considered her rightful opportunity occasioned by political intrigues. Rather than allowing the disappointment to end her political ambition, she remained steadfast.
The beneficiary celebrated the INEC publication as a testimony of “perseverance, faith, courage and divine favour,” adding that the confirmation meant that “God can rewrite any story.” The reaction reflects the sentiment among several of Dr. Ibokette’s supporters who believe that the latest INEC publication has brought clarity to an issue that had unnecessarily generated tension in the district.
Some stakeholders have also argued that it would have been a serious mistake for INEC to exclude Dr. Ibokette from the race, given her political visibility, grassroots acceptance and contributions to people within and beyond the senatorial district. Others commended INEC for demonstrating its commitment to its constitutional responsibility as an electoral umpire, noting that the official publication has provided the necessary clarification rather than allowing rumours and speculation to define the electoral process.
For some of her supporters, however, the controversy was allegedly fuelled by what they described as the activities of “enemies of progress” who would prefer the existing political arrangement to continue without disruption.
They argue that Dr. Ibokette’s emergence represents a challenge to what they consider an undesirable political status quo and that her determination to contest has unsettled those who benefit from the existing order.
There are also those who believe that the significance of her candidacy goes beyond winning a Senate seat. They say her campaign is likely to stimulate a fresh conversation about what constituents should expect from their representatives in the National Assembly.
According to this school of thought, the Senate should not be viewed merely as a place where lawmakers make laws. Senators also have important responsibilities relating to representation, oversight, advocacy, attracting development and supporting initiatives that improve the welfare of their constituents.
Supporters therefore believe that Dr. Ibokette’s emphasis on empowerment and human development could become an important part of the conversation as the 2027 election approaches. With the publication of the final INEC list, however, one issue is no longer a matter of speculation.
Ambassador Princess Dr. Victoria Ibokette is officially in the 2027 senatorial race for Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District on the platform of the Democratic Leadership Alliance.