2023: “I remain the candidate to beat and will win A ’Ibom governorship”, Akpan tells supporters

Senator Bassey Akpan, a top contender in the 2023 Akwa Ibom governorship election has assured his supporters that he’s still in the race and remains the candidate to beat as anxiety heightens over the disputed PDP primaries in the state.

Akpan is currently representing Akwa Ibom North-East senatorial district and also chairs the senate committee on petroleum (upstream). He gave the assurance on Monday while appearing on a syndicated interview programme on five private radio stations across the state.

The Senator who declined to comment on the outcome of the recently held PDP primaries due to the legal noose surrounding the outcome of the exercise, however, debunked insinuations in some quarters that he has left the PDP.

“I’m still in PDP, and I’ll be on the ballot and win the Akwa Ibom governorship come 2023”, Akpan, said, “the governorship is not about me, it’s not about OBA, it’s about the people of Akwa Ibom who believe that I can better serve them as their governor in 2023”.

He disclosed that his relationship with Governor Udom Emmanuel was still cordial despite the wrangling in the party.

“My relationship with the governor Deacon Udom Emmanuel is still cordial, I still respect him as my governor, he is human, and he has his limitations. I believe Governor Udom has done well according to the grace of God upon his life, but, I believe I will do better”, Akpan said.

He described himself as the governorship hopeful that has the solution to the development challenges facing the state.

“I am a solution provider. I have put in 30 years of my life in Akwa Ibom state, so, I am more or less a homeboy. I have lived with my people and I know their plight, and I intend to develop homemade solutions. I have the solution to the problems of Akwa Ibom state. If Akwa Ibom entrusts me with their destiny, I won’t take them for granted”.

Akpan went on, “my governorship aspiration is about the people, it’s not about power. It’s not a do or die affair, it’s about love. I love my people and I want to serve them”.

He said that for equity and justice’s sake, the governorship seat in 2023 should be zoned to Itu/Ibiono Ibom federal constituency.