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Akpabio Furious as PDP Dominates Akwa Ibom Elections

Published by Tope Fakinlede on October 7th, 2024.

Akpabio Furious as PDP Dominates Akwa Ibom Elections

In a significant outcome for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party has secured victory in 30 of the 31 local government areas in Akwa Ibom State, despite protests from opposition figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC), announced the results on Sunday, confirming that the PDP triumphed in all areas except for Essien Udim LGA, Akpabio’s hometown, where the All Progressives Congress (APC) claimed victory.

Akpabio expressed his discontent with the PDP’s decisive win, reflecting on his own tenure as governor from 2007 to 2015. He noted that during his administration, he maintained respect for opposition parties and recounted a specific incident where he supported an impartial election outcome despite pressures.

“When I was governor, I handled two elections, and on one occasion, I returned to find a dispute over local government election results. The then AKISIEC Chair, Gloria Ukpong, assured me that stakeholders would accept the results, but I suggested declaring for the opposition, resulting in the ANPP winning key positions in Ini LGA,” he recalled.

Meanwhile, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency for the Young Peoples Party (YPP), criticized the election process, labeling it “shambolic” and suggesting it was orchestrated to favor the PDP. He urged his supporters to remain peaceful and avoid taking matters into their own hands in light of what he termed electoral corruption.

In contrast, fellow House member Rt. Hon. Uduak Odudoh, who represents Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo, defended the integrity of the PDP’s win. He emphasized that the party’s extensive preparations and campaigning resonated with voters, while the opposition, particularly the ruling APC, failed to engage effectively.