Upsets In PDP A'Ibom NASS Primaries, Akpabio In Trouble
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan 08, (THEWILL) – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Assembly primaries in Akwa Ibom State has recorded some major upsets. Two (2) serving senators and six (6) serving members of the House of Representatives have failed to win their primaries in the state thus meaning they will not be candidates of the PDP in the general elections.
Their defeat THEWILL gathered has put Governor Godswill Akpabio in a difficult spot as aggrieved members of the National Assembly who accused Akpabio of orchestrating their defeat have vowed to ensure their delegates vote for Honourable Imo Udo, who is challenging Akpabio at Sunday’s governorship primary of the party. The governor has however called a meeting of all top party members in the state to address the threat.
In Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Effiong Bob, a two-term senator lost to House of Representatives member and Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Honourable Ita Enang. Senator Effiong polled 870 votes while Enang polled 980 votes.
In the Eket Senatorial District, current Senator, Lady Eme Ufot Ekaette, wife of former a Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Niger Delta Minister, Chief Ufot Ekaette, lost to a former Minister of Environment, Lady Helen Esuene. Ekaette polled 433 while Helen Esuene polled 1467 votes.
In the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, incumbent Senator Aloysius Etuk was returned unopposed after seven other aspirants alleged they were forced to step down.
Those who lost in their primaries in the House of Representatives are as follows: Eseme Eyiboh who was beaten Assistant Legal Adviser of the state PDP, Barrister Bassey Dan Abia Jr. (179 votes vs 586 votes).
Emma Obot lost to Ekere Afia in the Uyo federal constituency, while Bernard Udoh lost to Mr. Micah Umoh in Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo.
Other casualties include Keneth Archibong who lost to Professor Etuk Ekanem, while Saviour Aniedi King lost to Dan Akpan in the Etinan Federal Constituency.
Barrister Peter Linus also suffered defeat. He was beaten Mr. Robnson Uwak.
Other results showed that House member representing Ikono/Ini federal constituency, Professor Ini Udoaka was nominated unopposed while in the Ikot Ekpene/ Obot Akara/Essien Udom federal constituency, Barrister Savious Udoh ran unopposed after incumbent House member, Patty Etete Ineme chickened out of the race.