Romance with APC: Akwa Ibom PDP moves against Akpabio, endorses Emmanuel for second term

Given the fact that the romance of former Akwa Ibom State governor, Senator Godswill Akpabio, with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is already an open secret, state leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Saturday evening, met to counter his move.
Akpabio had already met Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to strategise on when he will defect to APC.
It is believed he will leave PDP this week.
To prove that Akwa Ibom belongs to PDP and to ensure the re-election of Governor Gabriel Udom Emmanuel,
an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting of the state PDP was held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo.
At the meeting were the Governor, state chairman and entire State Executive Committee, National Legal Adviser, members of the National Assembly, state legislators, chapter chairmen, National delegates, members of the Board of Trustees, NEC and National Caucus, chairmen of local governments and other stakeholders.
State chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo, while welcoming the attendees, informed of the party’s preparedness for the elections and presented a report (text and video) of the federal constituency tour to the governor.
He further informed that the guidelines for the party nomination are available and will soon be released.
Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, who spoke for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, assured the governor of the support of those from the senatorial district and commended him for the excellent manner he is governing the state.
Senator Helen Esuene and Hon. Nduese Essien, who spoke for Eket Senatorial District, thanked other senatorial districts for the cooperation given to their son, urging them to continue to support the governor.
Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga and Senator Effiong Bob informed that the shortest route for their senatorial district to return to power was returning Governor Emmanuel for a second term.
They expressed the preparedness of their constituents to continue to support the Governor.
Speaking on behalf of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Felicia Bassey assured the governor of their customary support in the discharge of his duties as governor and leader of the party.
Senator Bassey Albert spoke on behalf of the members of the National Assembly, expressing their delight about the governor’s role in the rebirth of the party.
They assured the governor of their support in the forthcoming elections. Emmanuel Enoidem intimated that the national party was very pleased with the helpful disposition of the governor towards the party and other pressing national issues.
While responding, the governor appreciated the stakeholders for their steadfastness and loyalty to the party and his administration.
He informed of the rebirth that the party was undergoing which has placed it on the right track to reclaim power.
He urged those contesting to prepare for free, fair and credible elections.
He also thanked the party for undertaking a tour of federal constituencies, promising to study the report and implement the recommendations.
Party stalwarts generally expressed gratitude to the party for constantly convening meetings which keep them abreast of happenings within and outside the party.
Some of them declared that if, eventually, Akpabio joins APC, he would be rejected by Akwa Ibom voters.