Akwa Ibom 2023: ecstatic crowd received Sen. Akpan in street campaigns
The frontline contender for the governorship seat in Akwa Ibom state, Senator Albert Bassey Akpan, CON, of YPP, staged an unprecedented campaign roadshow in the state on March 11, 2023, to reassure his teeming supporters of his readiness to improve their fortunes, once they vote for him.
The roadshow, which followed a one-week postponement of elections by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), effectively helped to dispel disparaging rumours that OBA had stepped down for a lesser known candidate.
Senator Akpan, whose popularity and massive acceptance have destabilized his fellow contestants in the governorship race attracted echoes of approval at each brief stop, during the journey.
At Itam Market in Uyo, the people on sighting the YPP gubernatorial candidate, who waved through the roof hole of the car went ecstatic shouting: “OBA is the governor we want, Umbrella is killing us”
Some market women said seeing OBA physically has encouraged their resolve to vote for him on March 18, 2023, no matter the level of inducement and lies by the opposition.
According to them, seeing OBA has reassured them that he will not only stand the election, but will win and will be sworn-in as the next governor of the state.
It took the motorcade almost an hour to pass through the popular Itam market, as the women left their wares to celebrate OBA, shouting: “You’re the one we need. Umbrella don tear, broom don break. We want YPP, we want OBA!”
At Ikpe Annang Junction, in Ikot Ekpene, the people trooped out with leaves hailing: “OBA is here, OBA is here”. Seven rounds of cannon gunshots were released in the senator’s honour, a ceremony reserved accolade for special occasions and kingly occasions.
Similarly, the crowd at Obo Annang Market in Ikot Ekpene was ecstatic on sighting OBA who amidst shouts expressed his appreciation for the love they have for him, assuring the people that he is contesting to win on March 18, 2023.
From Ikot Ekpene, the convoy stopped over at Ika where OBA told the crowd at Urua Mkpoho Eto that those spreading rumours of his stepping down are afraid of his popularity, assuring them that he will win the election with their support.
“They lied to you that I have stepped down, they lied to you that I am still in prison, they lied to you that I am disqualified from contesting, but I’m here to tell you that I am on the ballot. I have not stepped down and I am not disqualified. I am on the ballot, vote YPP on March 18 2023. I will make sure my Operation Basic Amenities reach all of you. I will never disappoint you”, he said.
The senator doubled down in another setting: “I am here to prove them wrong. No be me be this? I am still in the race. Dear Ika people, I know you’ve been abandoned for a very long time. I will wipe your tears, cry no more for hope is here”.
On leaving Mkpoho Eto Market, the motorcade drove through Urua Inyang, still in Ika LGA, to Etim Ekpo, then Abak en route Uyo.
At the popular mechanic village in Uyo, a crowd of supporters slowed the senator’s movement, chanting: “the incoming Governor of Akwa Ibom State.” The mood went frenzy when Senator Akpan alighted from his car and walked into the muddy Mechanic Village.
The street campaign later led to Urua Akpanadem in Uyo, where OBA received appreciative cheers from hundreds of traders and buyers. One excited woman shouted: “We don’t want someone that will come and build more hotels so we can see our female children in the house!”.