Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports.
In Akwa Ibom, approximately 10,000 members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the Young Progressives Party (YPP).
Senator Bassey Akpan of Akwa Ibom North East (Uyo) senatorial district, Hon Emmanuel Ukpong ‘Udo of Ikono/Ini federal constituency, and Hon Asuquo Nana Udoh of Ikono state constituency led thousands of PDP members to defect to the YPP.
The defection occurred at a rally over the weekend in Ifa Ikot Akpan, Uyo local government area. Senator Ifeanyi Uba of the YPP and Apostle Nyenime Andy, the state chairman of the YPP, both attended the event.
The YPP’s National Chairman, Bishop Emmanuel Amakiri, formally welcomed Senator Akpan, Akparawa Ephraim Inyangeyen, Hon Emmanuel Ekon, a former commissioner for science and technology, Samuel Efffanga, and others from the party’s 31 local government areas.
The state chairman, who was also the party’s gubernatorial candidate, resigned at the event in favor of Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, affectionately known as OBA by his supporters.
Over 10,000 people from various parties, including the PDP, APC, and others, attended the event, which took place 15 days after Senator Akpan defected from his former party (PDP).
The YPP’s national chairman assured the people of Akwa Ibom that the party is here to stay.
He believes that now is the time for every young progressive Nigerian to seize control of his destiny.
Amakiri was also pleased that the people of Akwa Ibom have decided to rally behind their popular son, Senator Akpan, in order to lift the state out of its current quagmire.
He praised him as the best person to lead Akwa Ibom to its desired destination and urged people to avoid and resist vote buying, which he blamed for Nigeria’s current predicament.
Senator Akpan, who represents Akwa Ibom North East (Uyo) senatorial district, addressed the crowd, saying that in accordance with electoral laws, he willingly offered himself as a substitute candidate in the upcoming primaries following Andy’s withdrawal.
He assured the delegates that if he is elected in the primary, he will not let the party down, and that as governor, he will treat all civil servants with social justice and welfare.
He also promised the people of the Senatorial Districts of Eket, Uyo, and Ikot Ekpene that the next administration would be fair and equitable.
The senator announced plans to work on the “3Rs” theme with others, promising to “recover Akwa Ibom, reconcile Akwa Ibom to God, and reposition Akwa Ibom for greatness.”
He declared that hope is just around the corner, claiming that the next government will end hunger, insecurity, hardship, and injustice in Akwa Ibom.
Akpan blasted the current administration for failing to pay workers’ wages for over 18 months and owing over N18 billion in pensions.
Senator Akpan promised to clear gratuities and pensions as governor, as well as arrears of promotions, while declaring that the YPP will defeat the PDP in all units.
Speaking on behalf of other defectors, Akparawa Ephraim Inyang promised, “We will make a difference together with Senator Akpan.”
Similarly, former State Commissioner Hon. Samuel Efanga told the crowd that the YPP was ready to take power through a “ballot revolution.”
