Akwa Ibom Chapter of APC Endorses Governor for Reelection Bid

The All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State's Onna Local Government Area has thrown its weight behind Governor Umo Eno as the party's sole candidate for the upcoming governorship election, ahead of the party primaries and general elections.

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The party has also endorsed Nelson Ntia, Senator Ekong Sampson, and Dr Eunice Thomas as consensus candidates for the state House of Assembly, Senate, and House of Representatives, respectively, in a move aimed at presenting a united front.

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These resolutions were reached during a stakeholders' meeting held on Wednesday at the residence of Pat Ifon, the party's political leader in Onna, according to a statement by Ekerete Udoh, Chief Press Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Governor.

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Tom Nkanang, the Onna APC Chairman, urged party members to remain united and work towards a collective victory in the forthcoming elections, stressing the need for strategic positioning.

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Nkanang appealed to aggrieved members to put aside their differences and work towards the party's success, emphasizing the importance of unity ahead of the polls.

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Dr Pat Ifon, the party's political leader in Onna, convened the meeting to communicate the party leadership's decisions and prepare members for the primaries and general elections, with a focus on avoiding internal conflicts.

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According to Ifon, Governor Eno has directed party members to remain united, ensuring an "overwhelming victory" in the forthcoming elections, and has consulted widely within the party to achieve this goal.

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Ifon formally announced the adoption of President Bola Tinubu, Eno, Senator Ekong Sampson, Dr Eunice Thomas, and Elder Nelson Ntia as consensus candidates for various elective positions, marking a significant step towards a unified party front.

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He also called on party members to pray for the success of Senate President Godswill Akpabio "at the polls and his subsequent victory as Senate President", emphasizing the importance of collective support.

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State Commissioner for Finance Emem Bob revealed that he had initially supported Nung Ndem for the State House of Assembly candidate but eventually backed Nelson Ntia through consensus, urging members to support the adopted candidates for the sake of unity and electoral victory.

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Bob set aside his personal preferences, demonstrating his loyalty to the party, and encouraged others to do the same, prioritizing the party's interests over individual aspirations.

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Dr Owoideghe Ekpottai expressed his support for Nelson Ntia, stating that he "had completed the circle of those who had laboured for the party and therefore deserved support", recognizing Ntia's contributions to the party.

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Dr Nse Essien commended Governor Eno for the consensus arrangement and praised Dr Pat Ifon for his "inclusive leadership style in carrying stakeholders along in decision-making", highlighting the importance of collaborative leadership.

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Other stakeholders, including Barr Ini Ikott, Dr Kufre Akpabio, Bassey Willie, and Hon Godwin Oton, also backed the resolutions reached at the meeting, appealing to the party leadership to reconcile aggrieved members ahead of the elections to ensure a united front.