Akpabio emerges Akwa Ibom North East senatorial candidate in a rerun primary
Senator Godswill Akpabio, the immediate past Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, has emerged as an All Progressives Congress, candidate for the Akwa Ibom northwest senatorial district.
The exercise was conducted at the Skill Acquisition Centre, Ikot Ekpene, where Senator Godswill Akpabio polled 478 votes to defeat Retired DIG Udom Ekpo Udom, who polled 3 votes, while Engineer Joseph Akpan had one vote.
Recall that the former Presidential aspirant had on Monday collapsed his structure to support Ahmed Bola Tinubu who emerged the Presidential Flag-bearer of the party.
The same election was conducted across the 108 wards in the 10 local government councils of the district, with DIG Udom Ekpoudom [Rtd] emerging the winner of the initial nomination exercise.
Addressing delegates before the commencement of the primaries in Ikot Ekpene on Thursday night, the Chairman of APC, Akwa Ibom State chapter, Mr. Stephen Ntukekpo, explained that the National Working Committee of the party ordered a rerun due to security infractions in the May 28 exercise.
“There were some infractions in the primaries held about a week ago and I was directed by the National Working Committee of our great party to conduct a rerun. We have about three aspirants in this exercise and they are fully aware. They are: Sir Joseph Akpan, DIG Udom Ekpoudom, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Senator Godswill Akpabio.
He used the occasion to introduce Sir Sylvester Okonkwo as Chairman of the National Working Committee of APC for the Senatorial primaries, Mrs. Bunmi Moleye as returning Officer, and Chief Sunday Ewoleye – Chairman, APC Primaries Appeal Committee.
Before the commencement of voting, the former member House of Representatives, Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, announced his voluntary withdrawal from the race and urged all his delegates to cast their votes for Senator Akpabio, whom he described as his leader and mentor.
“Today, he has joined the race. I plead with all my delegates to identify with my father as I return all the delegates to vote for Senator Godswill Akpabio. With that, I have withdrawn my aspiration to the Senatorial seat”, he said.
Announcing the result which was witnessed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC], the Police, and other relevant agencies, the Returning Officer, Mrs. Bunmi Imolehin, declared that the total registered delegates were 540 but only 512 delegates were accredited, while 11 votes were voided.
In a speech of gratitude, Senator Akpabio thanked the delegates for coming out in their numbers to cast their votes for him, assuring them that his return to the Senate in 2023 will bring in more infrastructural development, and human capital development, youth and women empowerment among other dividends of democracy.
