The All Progressives Congress ( APC) in Akwa Ibom state has been hit by a gale of defections with a former chieftain of the party, Bishop Sam Akpan leading other chieftains and bigwigs like Dr. Edet Ati, Dr Bassey Antai among others back to the Peoples Democratic Party.
At a meeting to formally declare their return to the PDP, the stakeholders said they were the anchor of the APC in Akwa Ibom State, maintaining that with their defection back to the PDP, Akwa Ibom APC is going to sink.
Bishop Sam Akpan, a former governorship aspirant,and current Chairman of Akwa Ibom APC Action Coalition (AAC) who spoke on behalf of the other defectors said their decision to return to the PDP fold was informed by the need to belong to a Party that remains the number one choice of Akwa Ibomites since the return of democratic rule, with the party always putting the interest of the State and the people above other considerations.
He said “Akwa Ibom PDP has metamorphosed into a religion and movement that has become a way of life of Akwa Ibom People. And every politician in this State who is truthful will admit that it is impossible to beat this Party because they have continued to respect the unwritten but binding sociopolitical contract they have with the people.
“Today all of us, with hundreds of thousands of our supporters have decided to come back to the PDP fold which is where millions of Akwa Ibom people who wish this state well who wish this state well belong to.”
Bishop Akpan commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for what he described as the sterling and exceptional way he has lead the State and the PDP family, stressing that this will translate into another resounding record of electoral victory for the PDP in the 2023 elections.
“Do not let anyone deceive you, every truthful politician in Akwa Ibom State knows that the PDP will record flawless victories in all categories of elections in 2023.
“The robust structure of the PDP in all the nooks and crannies of this State, the unwavering acceptability of the PDP and the dogged commitment of all PDP stakeholders will always lead the party to success”
Receiving the defectors back to the PDP fold, State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Aniekan Akpan commended the former APC chieftains and their supporters for emptying their structure back to PDP.shows that all of you are patriots who have recognized the need for Akwa Ibom State to continue on the path of sustained progress and development.
“Let me note here that posterity has recorded this patriotic step you’ve taken today. Let me therefore assure you that we will treat all Akwa Ibom people who have returned to the PDP as members of our party and will accord them all the rights and privileges due to all members and stakeholders.”