APC leaders in Akwa Ibom endorse Emmanuel for second term

At least 20,000 chieftains of the Akwa Ibom state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) comprising state, chapter, ward executive and stalwart of the party have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared their support for the second term bid of the state Udom Emmanuel, governor of the state.

Speaking at the Ibom Hall Grounds, Joseph Ama, chairman forum of APC chapter chairmen, Ama said their decision was borne out of the need to identify with the truth which PDP is known for having been appalled by the spate of impunity exhibited in the APC since the defection of Senator Godswill Akpabio to the party .

Sunday Uyire, chapter chairman of APC in Itu local government area, said it was practically impossible for him and his executive members to remain in the same party with those who in 2011, plotted to kill them.

He said the memories were still fresh and that the spirit of those who died in that incident will not forgive them if they compromise with the architects and perpetrators of that heinous crimes .

Uyire said the decampees were prepareds to work for the success of PDP in the forthcoming general election.

The defected APC chapter chairmen submitted a booklet containing their names and addresses to Paul Ekpo, chairman of the PDP in the state.

In his speech, the governor  expressed delight at their decision to join the party, noting that their action could only be motivated by the conviction that cannot be bought.

He commended them for taking the bold step to salvage the state, assuring them his administration is determined to create value for every Akwa Ibom citizen.

The governor said he would not join issues with his detractors, explaining that there was no basis for such.

He challenged anyone who wants to join issues with him to a debate that will be based on fact, not emotional outbursts.

The multitude of defectors dropped different insignia of their old political party and burnt them at the venue and accepted to come under the coverage of the umbrella.