Chieftains of other political parties were among about 5000 who returned to the Peoples Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom as activities build up to 2023 general election in the state.
Among the APC stalwarts who defected to PDP were Bishop Samuel Akpan from Onna local government area and Hon Nse Ntuen who represented senator Akpabio’s constituency in Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly on the platform of PDP but later defected All Progressive Congress (APC)
It will be recalled that Ntuen, a former lawmaker had dumped PDP the same day senator Akpabio left the party and later formed a faction in the state House of Assembly leading to crisis when he declared himself the factional speaker in the Assembly.
Speaking in Uyo on Friday at the ceremony by PDP to receive the party defectors, Governor Udom Emmanuel, said the state and the entire south-south region will be better off with PDP in power at the state and the centre.
He assured the party returnees of full integration and restoration of privileges.
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“I assure you, that there’s nothing like you’re just coming back, go and queue behind. No, not at all. We are giving you full restoration.
“Everyone has their own space, nobody will take your space. You all have your own spaces”, the Governor said.
He cautioned them to guard their loyalty to the party adding that PDP is the only party that will favour Akwa Ibom and the entire South-South.
Governor Emmanuel urged them to support the PDP and what the party holds for them as a social contract, for which he could act as surety.
He described the Presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, as detribalized Nigerian with whom the state and the region can be sure of getting their due.
“Atiku is the most detribalized Nigerian and the only one who will recognize the goose that lays the golden eggs. It is a social contract between the candidate and all of you and I am the surety of that social contract.”
The State Chairman of the PDP, Elder Aniekan Akpan accepted the defectors on behalf of the State Working Committee of the party and assured them of full reintegration into the party as the family they rightly belong.
According to him, the event, beyond the reception, was a unity rally as it marked the collapsing of all political structures in the state into the PDP.
Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the PDP, Pastor Umo Eno, appreciated the returnees for coming to terms with the truth and good intentions of the party for the state and for seeing the need to join hands to work for the overall good of the state.
Mr Ekerette Ekpenyong for Uyo senatorial district who spoke on behalf of the returnee thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for accepting them back into the PDP and pledged to put all efforts to achieve the aspirations of the party in the coming elections.
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