APC loses many members to PDP in Akpabio’s hometown

Many members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have left the party in Essien Udim local government area of Akwa Ibom state.

Godswill Akpabio, former senator representing Akwa Ibom noth-west, is from Essien Udim.

The APC executives who left the party are the chapter chairman, financial secretary, organising secretary, ward chairmen and executives.

The defectors have crossed into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The grand defection which took place on Tuesday at Essien Udim Unity Hall, had in attendance Moses Ekpo, deputy governor of the state; Monday Uko, commissioner for youth and sports; Ukpong Akpabio, commissioner for investment, commerce and industry, and many other stakeholders.

According to the defectors, they left the party because glory has departed from it and it has become a haven of violence.

Pastor Kayeobong, a former APC chairman, described himself as a mobiliser whose departure from the APC has collapsed the party.

“I am leaving with my nine ward chairmen, 24 chapter executives and all ward executives. The APC offered me N30million and a Hilux car to stay but I have made up my mind to work for Governor Udom,” he said.

On his part, Basil Akpadiaha, former financial secretary who hails from Akpabio’s ward, Ukana west, ward 2 stated that he left the party because of oppression.

Also speaking, Martin Umana, pioneer chairman of Essien Udim, said with his defection, he and his supporters are focused on working for the reelection of Udom Emmanuel, the governor.

Ekpo thanked the people for coming out en masse to support PDP and the governor. He assured them that they would not regret join the PDP which he said offers peace and people-oriented leadership.