By Jane Daniels
Date: September 22, 2026
Former Minister of State for Health and APC candidate for Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency in the 2027 election, Joseph Ekumankama, has called for greater unity, collective effort, and responsible citizenship for the progress and development of his constituency.
Ekumankama made the call during the 2026 New Yam Festival of Edda people in Lagos, where sons and daughters of the clan gathered to celebrate their cultural heritage.
He described the festival as more than a cultural event, saying it provided an opportunity for Edda people at home and in the diaspora to reconnect, strengthen their bonds and reflect on the future of their homeland.
The former minister commended the organisers for sustaining the tradition, urging the people to translate their cultural unity into a common purpose for development.
As the 2027 general elections approach, Ekumankama also appealed for support for APC candidates, saying greater political cooperation could help attract more development and opportunities to Edda and Afikpo.
He said his ambition to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives was driven by the desire to provide effective representation and attract federal projects, empowerment programmes and other development interventions to the people.I can also make it more punchy and front-page Sun style, with a stronger headline and sharper political angle.
