Filmmaker and founder of the Abuja International Film Festival, Fidelis Duker, has declared his intention to contest for the Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives in 2027.
The seat is currently occupied by Joseph Archibong Bassey of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who chairs the house committee on emergency and disaster management.
Duker is contesting on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The filmmaker joins other actors who have ventured into politics, including Foluke Daramola and Emeka Ike.
In posts shared on his Instagram and Facebook pages, the former president of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) said his campaign would focus on urban renewal, human dignity and shared prosperity.
He said he was contesting to push for the passage of the Bakassi Resettlement, Integration and Development Commission Bill.
“It is a New Dawn. We have a clear direction. I will take this bill to the National Assembly. I will build alliances. I will lead and push for debate. I will fight for its passage because Bakassi is our home. Our people deserve better,” he wrote.
Duker described the proposed bill as a people centred initiative that would deliver justice, reconstruction and opportunities for the people of Bakassi.
He also promised to address issues linked to the ceding of Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon and the impact of the Green Tree Accord signed in 2006.
“I understand the pain and uncertainty this has caused in our community. Please know that your voices and concerns are not unheard, and we are committed to working tirelessly to alleviate your hardships.
“As your legislator, I pledge to advocate for your rights and well-being through the enactment of meaningful laws and initiatives. Together, we will strive to secure the resources and support necessary to restore hope and opportunity in our region. You deserve a future filled with promise and dignity, and I will work assiduously to turn that aspiration into reality,” he stated.
The filmmaker also pledged to sponsor a Coastal Urban Renewal and Waterfront Communities Bill aimed at attracting funding, protecting coastlines and improving the welfare of waterfront communities in the constituency.
A native of Henshaw Town in Cross River State, Duker was born in Lagos and received his early education in northern Nigeria.
He studied at Yaba College of Technology, University of Jos, Nigerian Television Authority College and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism. He also attended professional training programmes at Deutsche Welle Training Academy in Germany and the BBC in Scotland.
Duker began his media career in 1988 writing drama productions for the Nigerian Television Authority. He later founded the Abuja International Film Festival in 2003, which has grown into one of Africa’s longest running film festivals.
He previously served as president of the Directors Guild of Nigeria and has also been involved in continental film festival organisations across Africa.
