May 12, (THEWILL) – Frontline gubernatorial aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and businessman, Engr Akanimo Udofia, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a masterstroke that could see the main opposition in Akwa Ibom State, take over the government house in next year’s governorship election.
Incumbent governor Emmanuel Udom’s endorsement of Pastor Umo Eno, the immediate past commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, as his preferred successor, has thrown the ruling party in the state into turmoil.
Though Emmanuel has pointed out in different fora that his choice had not foreclosed the chances of other individuals, who may wish to aspire for the Governorship seat, he has deployed financial resources of the state, including manpower to ensure the success of his preferred successor.
THEWILL reports that this move has angered some key stakeholders in the state, as well as the over 10 aspirants that have purchased the expression of interest and nomination forms for the PDP and have been cleared to stand the party’s Gubernatorial primaries, which is slated to hold on May 23, nationwide.
THEWILL further gathered that the division in the PDP amongst stakeholders, presented an opportunity for the Abdullahi Adamu-led leadership of the APC to convince Chief Godswill Akpabio, erstwhile Minister of the Niger Delta and the leader of the party in the state, to poach the 53-year-old Udofia, to fly the party’s ticket in the 2023 poll.
One of the frontline aspirants of the PDP, who spoke with THEWILL said, “Blame Udom for the PDP’s imminent defeat. He should allow a level playing ground for all and leave the delegates to make their choices.
“If he must give any form of support, then he should give to everybody equally and not to sponsor an individual, to the detriment of others. Our party will be defeated if Udom continues like this.”
Another serious controversy in the PDP camp is the issue of micro zoning. The people of Itu Federal Constituency, made up of Itu and Ibiono Ibom Local Government Areas, are of the opinion that it is their turn to produce the next governor of the state.
Their argument resonates with many in the state because every other constituency in the state has produced a governor, except the Eastern Ibibio axis made up of Itu and Ibiono Ibom in Uyo Senatorial District and Ikono/Ini Local Government Areas of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District.
When Udom Emmanuel, who hails from Eket Senatorial District completes his tenure, power should return to the Uyo Senatorial District, the district of Akanimo Udofia, the CEO and Managing Director of DESICON Engineering Ltd.
Udofia, who holds an MBA and a Degree from the prestigious Harvard Business School and the University of Uyo respectively, is seen as a young, visionary leader, who can create wealth for the citizens of the state considering his track record in business.
THEWILL gathered that Udofia has collected the governorship form of the APC and is expected to begin consultations amongst voting delegates of the party.
About the Author
