Long before campaign vans, loudspeakers and election rallies become a daily sight, many residents say they already know the sound they want to hear; the cheers that often follow whenever Abang Pius Besong's vehicle passes through the streets. For many, those cheers are not simply about politics; they reflect years of familiarity with a man they say has remained accessible to ordinary people.
Although politics has introduced him to a wider audience, many residents insist they knew Besong long before he declared his ambition to represent Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency. They describe him as someone who lives among the people, relates freely with traders, youths, artisans and community members, and is often willing to stop his vehicle to listen to or assist someone in need even when there is no camera, campaign or political event.
To many of his supporters, those everyday acts of kindness have become more convincing than campaign promises.
Across Ikom and Boki, conversations are increasingly centred on one question: Should leadership be entrusted to someone who built his reputation before politics, or someone whose public record is now under scrutiny?
For many residents interviewed by Boki Blog Africa, the answer is becoming clearer.
Supporters say one of Besong's greatest strengths is that he built a successful career in the private sector before seeking elective office. According to them, this gives them confidence that he is not entering politics to become wealthy through public funds but to offer service, having already established himself outside government.
Many believe his record in private business demonstrates discipline, transparency and accountability qualities they say are increasingly scarce in Nigerian politics.
Residents also point to community interventions and humanitarian support they say Besong has provided over the years without occupying any public office. They argue that if he could invest in people without access to government resources, he would be better positioned to deliver if elected.
A street opinion survey conducted by Boki Blog Africa in recent months also suggested strong support for Besong across the constituency, with many respondents citing integrity, accessibility, compassion and trust as reasons for backing his ambition.
Some residents interviewed also expressed dissatisfaction with the level of communication and engagement from the current representative. They said they would like to see more regular updates on constituency projects and greater accountability from whoever represents them in the National Assembly. These views reflect the opinions of those interviewed and not independently established facts.
As the 2027 election approaches, it appears that beyond party politics, many voters in Ikom and Boki are placing increasing value on character, accessibility and integrity. Whether that growing goodwill eventually translates into votes will be decided by the electorate on election day. But for now, PDP's Candidate for Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency, Abang Pius Besong remains in the lips of many across Ikom and Boki Local Government Areas.
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