Former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Senator Godswill Akpabio has lost key supporters in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District as the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) commenced senate campaigns for 2023 general election in the state.
One of Akpabio’s core supporters, a former member representing Akpabio’s Essien Udim state constituency in the state House of Assembly Rt Hon Nse Ntuen defected to PDP during the party Senatorial campaign in the area.
Our Correspondent gathered that other supporters who defected from APC to PDP include former chairman of Obot Akara local government area, Hon Tiebet Joshua, Akara Joe Umoren – Ikot Ekpene, Barr Kingsley Ekpa, Engr Isaiah Ukpai from Ini local government, Mrs Maria Thomas, Dr Silas Udofia and Michael Ntuen among alongside over 1050 defectors.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the defection, Hon Nse Ntuen said he decided to dump APC and Akpabio to pursue the cause of the people with justice and fair play to ensure that the senate seat goes to Abak federal constituency against the ambition of senator Godswill Akpabio in 2023 general election.
” I want to join hands with PDP to enthrone justice in the senatorial district. I don’t like a situation where the ambition of one man frustrates the entire people. It is the turn of Abak federal constituency to produce the next senator in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District.”
He said former PDP National Legal Adviser Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem is the right person to win the senate seat in the area.
Meanwhile, the people of the Senatorial District have promised to vote for all PDP candidates from House of Assembly, Governorship, National Assembly and presidential elections.
They also assured the party Senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District Barrister Enoidem of massive support.
Delivering a goodwill message during the senatorial district campaign flag-off rally innIkot Ekpene , one of the stakeholders and former Deputy Chief whip in the senate , senator Ibok Essien said the senatorial district has remained consistent in deciding who becomes a senator from time immemorial.
He explained that the most stable Senatorial District in this country is Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District.
” Since 1960, Ikot-Ekpene district is always delivering the winning party. Each of the candidates we vote for has always emerged victorious. Azikiwe, Shagari has been to this stadium.
“All candidates lined up for various elective positions in this party are all qualified, competent, credible and have the capacity for the positions they are vying for, and we will deliver them.
“Governor Udom Emmanuel is a performing Governor. The reward for that hard work is for us to rally round and ensure we give you a worthy successor that will sustain the development strides we’ve witnessed under your watch. Umo Eno is our next Governor”.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, the PDP Gubernatorial hopeful in Akwa Ibom Pastor Umo Eno, flanked by his wife Patience, and running mate, Senator Akon Eyakenyi appreciated the people of the Senatorial District for the warm reception accorded him and his entourage, and pledged to sustain the tempo of development in the state.
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The Nsit-Ubium born entrepreneur and CEO of Royalty Group Umo said his administration will boost small and medium-scale enterprise development, and also promised to establish an international market in Ikot Ekpene when elected into office.
“We shall build upon the legacies of Governor Udom Emmanuel. We shall continue with your good works, we will connect the dots, further the peace and work to ensure that the peace is sustained So that we can continue the monumental projects”.
“Ikot-Ekpene will be an enterprise hub. We will build an International market in Ikot Ekpene so that the hardworking people of Ikot-Ekpene Senatorial District will have where to do their business and where to turn their enterprises into wealth”.
Governor Udom Emmanuel accompanied by his wife, Martha and Deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo appreciated the people of the district for their steadfastness with the PDP.
He particularly commended them for the support they have given his government and assured that with Umo Eno as the next Governor, more developmental strides would be witnessed in the State.
Governor Emmanuel canvassed support for the Presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar, saying it was time for Nigeria to be rescued from bad leadership.
“PDP is ready to take over Nigeria.
Thank you for the assurance on Umo Eno. Akwa Ibom State has not benefitted a single road from the APC-led federal government.
“Politics is about interest. Let me thank all of you for the support. PDP is the only party that will bring back the good old days.
“The kind of party that has brought this untold hardship on Nigerians should not be allowed to return to power,” he said.
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