The dispute surrounding the October 5 local government election in Essien Udim, Akwa Ibom State, is gradually subsiding after the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Enobong Patrick Friday, issued a congratulatory message to his rival, Ntiedo Usoro of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who was declared the winner.

Essien Udim, the home of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, became the center of attention when the local Returning Officer, Professor Inyang Ating, initially announced the PDP candidate as the winner with 55,612 votes, compared to Usoro’s 686 votes. However, the next day, Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) Chairman, Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak, declared Usoro of the APC the winner, stating that he had secured 51,751 votes, while the PDP received 22,799 votes.

The sudden reversal sparked protests from PDP stakeholders, who alleged the result was manipulated to favor the Senate President. Some commentators described the decision as a “political palliative” to maintain the relationship between Governor Umo Eno and Akpabio.

Professor Ating’s earlier declaration was dismissed by AKISIEC as fake, with Ikoiwak clarifying that Ating was not officially appointed as Returning Officer and had no authority to announce the results. The legitimate Returning Officer, Professor Uduak Okon, had submitted the official results that declared APC the winner.

After days of silence, the PDP candidate, reportedly under pressure, congratulated Usoro in a message aimed at reducing tensions in the state. In the message, Friday pledged his support for Usoro’s administration, emphasizing the need for governance over electoral disputes.

Despite this, some PDP members have expressed dismay, calling the situation a conspiracy to undermine the will of the people. They raised concerns about the influence of the governor over the state’s electoral commission and its impact on election outcomes.

The political landscape of Akwa Ibom State is witnessing a significant shift under Governor Umo Eno, marking a departure from the longstanding “winner-takes-all” approach. Since the state’s creation and the return of democracy in 1999, politics had largely been dominated by the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), often isolating opposition parties from state affairs.

Historically, there was a notable divide between members of the ruling party and the opposition, with social and political relationships strained to the extent that associating with opposition figures could lead to sanctions. This exclusionary practice remained the norm until the election of Pastor Umo Eno as governor in 2023.

Despite facing legal challenges leading up to his victory, Eno has demonstrated a commitment to fostering political inclusivity. He publicly invited all Akwa Ibom citizens, regardless of political affiliation, to contribute to the state’s progress. His approach, which emphasizes unity and development over partisan divides, was a clear break from the past and initially surprised members of his own party.

A key moment in this new political chapter occurred when Governor Eno, accompanied by his cabinet and party leaders, visited Senate President Chief Godswill Akpabio, a prominent leader of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), in Abuja. At the event, Eno pledged his willingness to collaborate with Akpabio for the state’s benefit.

Later, during Akpabio’s visit to Akwa Ibom, Governor Eno formally welcomed him at the Government House and hosted a dinner in his honor. This gesture signaled a turning point in Akwa Ibom politics, showcasing a commitment to political inclusion and collaboration.

Governor Eno has continued to attend events celebrating Akpabio’s achievements, reinforcing a spirit of cooperation that has been praised by both sides. This new approach to governance stands in contrast to the more contentious relationships seen under previous administrations, setting a new precedent for political unity in Akwa Ibom State.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victory in 30 out of the 31 local government areas in Akwa Ibom State, according to a statement issued by Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwak, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC).

The All Progressives Congress (APC) claimed the only win in Essien Udim, the local government area of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

While the elections were generally peaceful, violence occurred in some areas. In Ikono, two people were reportedly killed, and the AKISIEC office in Ibiono Ibom was set on fire, though the election materials remained intact, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John.