Says he first contested for the Cross River State House of Assembly in 2022 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
By Staff Reporter
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Published on September 28, 2026
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3 min read
Nkpabo Daniel Inaku, a political aspirant from Ukpah in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State, has denied claims that Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe is sponsoring his political activities or backing him against other political actors in the area.
In a statement titled “Setting the Record Straight: The Myth of Jarigbe’s Sponsorship” Inaku said his decision to seek political office was driven by personal conviction and what he described as persistent calls from members of his community.
According to him, he first contested for the Cross River State House of Assembly in 2022 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He said six aspirants participated in the contest, including several from Ukpah, and that he narrowly lost the primary election to Barrister Omang Charles Omang.
Inaku recalled that Senator Jarigbe subsequently described him as a “political underdog” during a meeting between them, stressing that nobody alleged at the time that the senator was sponsoring his political activities.
He said that after the 2022 primary, he continued to mobilise supporters and travelled repeatedly between Abuja and Cross River State in an effort to defeat the incumbent lawmaker, using his personal resources.
“I did so because I believed in the cause, not because anyone sponsored me,” he said.
Inaku further stated that he returned to the political contest in 2023 following renewed appeals from members of his community. He said his first political consultation with Senator Jarigbe took place during that period.
According to him, Jarigbe explained that the political circumstances had changed, with both men now in the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Governor Bassey Otu was the sitting governor.
Inaku said Jarigbe told him that his loyalty to Governor Otu was total and that he would support the governor’s position if the governor had an interest in the Bekwarra contest. Otherwise, he said, Jarigbe indicated that he could speak with someone who might be able to support Inaku.
“Since then, I have neither sought nor received political sponsorship or direction from him,” Inaku said.
He also dismissed rumours that Jarigbe had provided him with money and aides to support his political activities. He specifically rejected a claim that the senator gave him ₦20 million during the New Yam Festival to return home and work against certain candidates.
“Jarigbe has never sponsored me against anyone or any election,” he stated.
Inaku said his political decisions were based on his personal convictions and religious beliefs, adding that he had previously taken political positions that he believed were in the interest of his people, even when doing so exposed him to pressure and personal sacrifices.
He also acknowledged his admiration for Jarigbe’s political style while noting that he holds his own views about both the senator and Governor Otu.
“My only political bargain is simple: whatever position I take must ultimately serve the interest of the Bekwarra people,” he said.
Inaku concluded by urging political actors and members of the public to distinguish between legitimate political disagreements and what he described as political blackmail. “For those who believe Senator Jarigbe sponsors the air I breathe: he does not,” he said.
He described himself as an independent political actor whose loyalty, in his words, is to “God, my people and the principles I believe in.”
