The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel has debunked reports claiming he has stopped former Vice President and 2023 presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar from visiting the state to consult with delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Reports in some sections of the media had claimed Governor Emmanuel barred Atiku from his planned visit to the state on Monday.
However, a statement on Sunday by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Ini Ememobong said there is nothing of such as the Governor has no power to stop aspirants from meeting with delegates.
He added that contrary to trending reports, the Governor had been notified about Atiku’s planned visit and both leaders are also scheduled to meet after Atiku’s meeting with the delegates in the state.
TrackNews reports both Atiku and Udom are seeking the PDP ticket for the 2023 presidential election.
“The truth is that the Governor who has been in communication and contact with all other presidential aspirants (Atiku Abubakar inclusive) was informed that the former Vice President will be visiting on Monday, 16th May 2022 to meet with delegates and thereafter see him (Gov. Emmanuel) by 4 pm, a proposal that was unhesitatingly accepted,” the statement from the Akwa Ibom State government reads.
“It is therefore pure mischief for anyone to insinuate that the Governor is preventing Alhaji Abubakar from seeing delegates. Other presidential aspirants have visited the party in Akwa Ibom without a hitch, so why would Atiku’s be different?
“We urge the entire public to discountenance the fake news and treat it as an act of mischief of the highest order. Our delegates and team are waiting to receive the aspirant on the agreed date and time,” he added.
