Merger: A’Ibom APC, SDP, collapse structure for Umo Eno, PDP
Ahead of the governorship election rescheduled for March 18, 2023, the Archbishop Sam Akpan-led faction of the All Progressive Congress (APC) as well as a faction of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), have decided to support the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Umo Eno.
The group under the umbrella of Truth Akwa Ibom registered their support during a visit on the governorship hopeful in Uyo.
In his remarks, the leader, Archbishop Sam Akpan noted that they decided to walk away from their former political parties because they were convinced that the choice of Pastor Umo Eno to succeed Governor Udom Emmanuel will further peace and development in the state.
According to him, “Today there is peace in Akwa Ibom, and Governor Udom Emmanuel has brought credibility in governance and government. He has diversified the economy of the state from a core civil service state to an enterprise-driven economy.”
“These strides are very indicative of good things to come. Above all, he found favour with God to find somebody competent to bring decorum to governance, so we took the decision to return wholeheartedly to the PDP.”
“”Pastor, we are all former members of the APC. This is only a small team of executive members. Among us today, are former State officers that won primaries and have decided to abandon the APC. We broken ranks completely and have all come under the PDP umbrella.
Speaking further he said, “We walked away because we are very convinced that the choice of Pastor Umo Eno would bring peace and growth. We are delighted that the party has received us with open arms.”
“Today, we are coming to endorse what God has approved. Today, we have also come to bear witness that we, the executives that have fused ourselves into an organization have accepted Pastor Umo Eno.”
“We have come to partner with you, give us the space and encourage us to follow you. We have decided to vote for the PDP. Today, we are called “truth”, the other time, we were called the Akwa Ibom Peoples Forum (AKPF) and this Truth is larger and stronger than AKPF,” he added.
Archbishop Akpan also disclosed that some executive and members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), have merged with them to ensure that they deliver PDP for a better Akwa Ibom State.
“”We also have another political party, SDP that has also joined us, they are also structured comprehensively across the state. So we are partnering across board to achieve our set goal of voting massively for Pastor Eno.
Also speaking, Dr. Bassey Antai, a former commissioner in the state, said the choice of Pastor Eno as candidate of PDP in the state has endeared so many to the PDP due to his strength of character, competence and capacity.
He therefore assured that they were ready to mobilize for the success of the PDP in the state.
In his response, Pastor Umo Eno appreciated the group for the decision to support and vote for him and the PDP and assured everyone that his administration would be all-inclusive.
He expressed delight at the numerical strength and structure of the group, adding that it has become one of the foremost support groups firmly behind his candidacy.
The governorship hopeful noted that successive administrations in the state, especially the Udom Emmanuel- led administration have made remarkable impact in the development of the state, and assured everyone that his focus would be on building on the achievements of the past leaders.
He unveiled his economic development blueprint, the ARISE Agenda to the group, saying that his administration would focus on Agricultural revolution, Rural development, Infrastructural development, Security management and Educational Advancement.
The widely accepted and endorsed candidate urged the group to take back the gospel and spread it among their members and to all nooks and crannies of the state.
On his part, the State Party Chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan appreciated the leadership and members of the group for choosing to support PDP, and assured them that the umbrella was large enough to accommodate the entire state.
In his words, “I am happy today because I know Archbishop Sam Akpan, and his worth. When he told me he was coming back, I knew my job has been made easier. He has brought voters and votes. His team is so well organized, so our victory in the forthcoming governorship and state assembly elections is guaranteed.
At the event were executive members of Truth Akwa Ibom across the state numbering over 5, 000.
Media Unit
09/03/2023
