CALABAR — Veteran filmmaker, media entrepreneur and cultural ambassador, Fidelis Duker, has formally declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat for Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency.
Duker made his ambition known after obtaining the Expression of Interest and nomination forms of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), signaling his entry into the race ahead of the next general elections.
The Henshaw Town-born media executive said his decision to seek elective office was driven by the need to provide what he described as “globally competitive representation” for the constituency.
According to him, the area possesses enormous economic and human potential but requires stronger representation capable of attracting investment, youth development opportunities and sustainable infrastructure.
“Our constituency does not suffer from a lack of potential; it suffers from a lack of structured, globally competitive representation,” Duker stated after collecting his nomination forms.
He said his experience in media, international cultural diplomacy and private enterprise would be deployed towards improving economic opportunities within the constituency.
Duker is the founder of the Abuja International Film Festival, regarded as one of West Africa’s longest-running film festivals, and currently serves as Regional Secretary General of the Federation of Pan African Filmmakers (FEPACI).
Over the years, he has represented Nigeria and Africa at several international events, including the Cannes Film Festival in France and other global industry engagements across Europe and Africa.
The media entrepreneur also pledged to prioritize youth empowerment, technology-driven development and policies aimed at attracting foreign direct investment to the coastal constituency if elected into the National Assembly.
As Chief Executive Officer of FAD Media Productions, owners of FAD 93.1 FM Calabar, FAD FM 101.3 Abuja and FAD 360 TV, Duker said he has already contributed to youth employment through the media industry and intends to replicate similar opportunities on a broader scale through public service.
He further promised transparency in the execution of constituency projects and legislative initiatives that would support economic growth and community development.
The NDC and several support groups reportedly welcomed his candidacy, describing it as a significant development for the constituency’s political landscape.
Duker holds academic and professional training credentials from institutions including the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Crawford University, the University of California, Los Angeles, the BBC Training Academy, Deutsche Welle Training Akademie and the Cross River University of Technology.
His entry adds to the growing number of professionals and private-sector figures seeking elective offices ahead of the next electoral cycle in Cross River State.
