The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, has suffered another major loss as major chieftains of the party in Essien Udim Local Government Area have officially dumped the PDP for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Among those said to have dumped PDP for APC include a former leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon Dr. Etido Ibekwe, former Member representing the area in the State Assembly, Hon Ndifreke Idung, former councillor and PDP Chapter Secretary, Hon Micah Johnson.
Others include former supervisory councilor for Education, Hon Emmanuel Idiong as well as Barr Ime Umossoh, younger brother to the late Hon Barr Nsini Umossoh who represented Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The defectors were formally received into the APC by a former Chairman of Essien Udim and leader of APC in the area, Hon Barr Martins Umanah during a stakeholders meeting of the party held at his country home at Ntak Ikot Akpan, Ukana West 1 in Essien Udim.
Addressing party faithful which included chapter and Ward executives of the area, Hon Umanah commended the defectors for their courage and patriotism at leaving the PDP which he described as a sinking ship to join the APC in salvaging the country.
He called on APC members not to feel threatened by the growing influx of defectors from the PDP but to see the defection as a positive step towards having a united front to fight and rescue the area from the grip and bondage of the PDP.
He added; “Do not feel threatened by the current influx of members particularly from the sinking boat of PDP. We are here to sustain the new born baby, APC, the new hope for the new Nigeria, particularly in Essien Udim. All interests shall be recognized and positively engaged in the amalgamation of various political ideologies.”
The meeting resolved to among others bring together the various power blocks that have merged in the APC in the area, engage in serious membership drive to boost the chances of APC during the likely rerun elections and continually open its doors to more defectors and new entrants into the party.
The party congratulated President Buhari, Vice President Osinbajo on their successful inauguration as well as the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senator Bukola Saraki and Hon Dogara respectively on their election.
The stakeholders meeting was attended by all Ward and Chapter executives as well as APC chieftains which include Hon Emmanuel Udo, Hon Etim Atakpa, Hon Aloysius Isonguyo, Rev Ubon Usoro, Hon Kelvin Josiah, Effiong Atakpa, Mrs Ekaette Isong, Hon Sam Dickson, Imelda Ekpo, Ime Isong, Barr Imo Akpan, Uduak Ebi, Imo Ibara, Idiongo Martins among others.
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