Duker is widely known in Africa’s creative sector as the founder of the Abuja International Film Festival, regarded as West Africa’s longest-running film festival. He also serves as Regional Secretary General of the Federation of Pan African Filmmakers (FEPACI), where he has represented Nigeria and Africa at several global film and cultural events, including the Cannes Film Festival in France.
By TheInvestigator
Veteran filmmaker, media entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador, Fidelis Duker, has officially declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency in Cross River State.
Duker formally joined the race after obtaining his Expression of Interest form under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), signaling his entry into active politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Henshaw Town-born media mogul said his decision to seek elective office was driven by a desire to bring global exposure, innovation, and structured leadership to the constituency.
Speaking shortly after picking up his nomination documents, Duker stated that the constituency possesses enormous potential but lacks globally competitive representation capable of attracting sustainable development and investment.
According to him, his decades-long experience in the creative industry, international relations, and enterprise development would be deployed to promote youth empowerment, infrastructure development, and economic growth across Akpabuyo, Bakassi, and Calabar South.
Duker is widely known in Africa’s creative sector as the founder of the Abuja International Film Festival, regarded as West Africa’s longest-running film festival. He also serves as Regional Secretary General of the Federation of Pan African Filmmakers (FEPACI), where he has represented Nigeria and Africa at several global film and cultural events, including the Cannes Film Festival in France.
The media entrepreneur said his legislative agenda would focus on technology-driven youth development programmes, attracting foreign direct investment to the coastal communities within the constituency, and ensuring transparency in constituency project execution.
Duker also highlighted his academic and professional background, noting that he received training from institutions including the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, University of California, Los Angeles, the BBC Training Academy, and the Deutsche Welle Training Akademie, among others.
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 significantly to youth employment and capacity development in Cross River State.
Meanwhile, leaders of the NDC and several community support groups have welcomed his candidacy, describing it as a fresh opportunity to reposition the federal constituency for economic growth and improved representation.
