Defection Galore: Ika PDP chapter crumbles as woman leader, ward officials dump party for YPP

The ongoing wave of defection hitting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State is nearing a tsunami point as more officials and members across the 31 local government areas are gyrating in droves to the Young Progressives Party (YPP).

The defection which is unprecedented in the history of party politics in Akwa Ibom, may not be unconnected aside from other reasons, with the disenchantment caused by brazen impunity over the choice of an unpopular and controversial gubernatorial flag bearer and other candidates of the PDP for the 2023 general elections.

The emergence of Senator Bassey Albert Akpan as the governorship candidate of the YPP has seemingly become the solace and preferred platform for the majority of the officials and members of PDP and other parties in the state to bolster their political ambition.

On Thursday, August 25, 2022, the Akwa Ibom gubernatorial candidate of the YPP and Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District, Senator (Obong) Bassey Albert (OBA) while receiving some of the defectors and some members of Ika Elders Forum at his Shelter Afrique residence, assured them that they have made the wisest decision by taking their destinies into their hands.

The lawmaker while welcoming them into the new fold, said that YPP as the fastest growing party in Akwa Ibom State is the rightful place to belong in this period of our political history as the party has come to serve the collective interest of Akwa Ibom people without any discrimination.

OBA assured the people that his governance of the state as soon as he comes on board as the Governor on May 29, 2023, will be to implement the policy thrust of his administration which will centre on the 3Rs – Reposition Akwa Ibom for greatness; Recover Akwa Ibom and Reconcile Akwa Ibom truly to God.

“I am quite happy that you have made the best decision. Akwa Ibom belongs to us all and we must come together to salvage it. YPP as the fastest growing party in our state will surely meet our needs and the development of the state,” he said.

The two-term Senator thereafter tasked them to remain committed to YPP and work assiduously towards turning a new chapter in the history of Akwa Ibom State in 2023.

The former PDP Ika Chapter Woman Leader, Mrs Mary Joseph Udoekpo in her address thanked him for the warm reception accorded them, saying that their decision to join YPP was borne out of her conviction that Senator Akpan is well qualified among other candidates seeking to become the governor of Akwa Ibom State.

Udoekpo, while enumerating the sterling qualities of Senator Albert and his many antecedents which have endeared him to the people of Ika and the state at large, also assured him of massive support from the women and youths of Ika Local Government Area.

Some members of the Ika Elders Forum and former Ika PDP officials present at the meeting were Hon. Richard Monday, former PDP Chapter Chairman, Elder Friday Etok, former PDP Chairman of Ward Chairmen, Hon. Idung Ada, former Vice Chairman, Ika Local Government Council, Obongawan Bridget Udoka, Woman Leader, Mr Augustine Dickson Uwak, Stakeholder, Hon. Sylvester Afong, Stakeholder, Hon. Emmanuel Udoka, Stakeholders, and many others.

Meanwhile, those who have sent in their resignation from the PDP in Ika and joined YPP with their teeming supporters and members are Thompson Nnamso Anthony Vice Chairman of Achan Ward 3; Mrs Mercy Douglas Inyang – Woman Leader Ito ward1; Uduakobong Amos Ibanga Youth Leader Ito Ward 2; Justine Matthew Vice Chairman, Urban Ward 2; Minica Sam Akpan Woman Leader, Ito Ward 2; Faith Elijah Akpan, Deputy Chairman, Ito Ward 3; Mary Joseph Udoekpo Chapter Woman Leader, Ika; Mercy Michael John Woman Leader, Achan Ward 3; Akam Issac Akpan Secretary, Achan Ward 3.